Trump Says Iran ‘Welcome’ at World Cup Despite Ongoing Conflict

Donald Trump has stated that Iran will still be welcome to participate in the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup despite escalating tensions involving the country.

The comments were revealed by Gianni Infantino after a meeting with the US president to discuss preparations for the tournament.

---

Trump Backs Iran’s Participation

According to Infantino, Trump made it clear that the Iran national football team would be allowed to compete in the tournament.

The 2026 World Cup will be hosted jointly by United States, Canada and Mexico, with the competition kicking off on 11 June.

Infantino said discussions with Trump also touched on the ongoing situation involving Iran.

“During the discussions, President Trump reiterated that the Iranian team is, of course, welcome to compete in the tournament in the United States,” Infantino wrote on Instagram.

He added that global sporting events like the World Cup are important in difficult times.

“We all need an event like the FIFA World Cup to bring people together now more than ever.”

---

Rising Geopolitical Tensions

Iran’s participation had been questioned following recent military escalations involving Israel and the United States.

Reports indicated that strikes carried out earlier this month resulted in the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, which triggered retaliatory missile and drone launches toward Israel and several Gulf countries hosting US military bases.

Despite the tensions, FIFA appears committed to ensuring that sporting participation remains separate from political conflict.

---

Iran’s World Cup Fixtures

Iran are scheduled to play three group-stage matches in the United States during the tournament:

• Against New Zealand national football team in Los Angeles on 15 June

• Against Belgium national football team in Los Angeles on 21 June

• Against Egypt national football team in Seattle on 26 June

However, uncertainty remains due to the wider political climate.

---

Concerns Within Iranian Football

Mehdi Taj, president of Iran’s football federation, has expressed concern about the country’s situation following the recent attacks.

He reportedly said that after the events, “it’s hard to look at the World Cup with hope.”

Meanwhile, Australia has granted humanitarian visas to several members of Iran’s women’s national team amid safety concerns following their participation in the AFC Asian Cup.

---

Football as a Unifying Event

Despite the political tensions, FIFA leadership continues to emphasize the global unifying role of football.

With the World Cup just a few months away, organizers hope the tournament will bring fans from around the world together regardless of geopolitical differences.