Trump backs Infantino on Iran’s 2026 World Cup participation in U.S.
U.S.
U.S. President Donald Trump has backed Gianni Infantino’s confirmation that Iran will participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup and play its matches in the United States.
Speculation over Iran’s participation has dominated the build-up to the 2026 World Cup amid ongoing Middle East tensions, but Infantino reiterated at a FIFA Congress in Vancouver that the team will fulfil its Group G fixtures against Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand in the U.S. as scheduled.
“Of course, Iran will be participating in the FIFA World Cup 2026, and of course, Iran will play in the United States of America,” Infantino said.
“We have to unite. There are enough problems in the world; football must bring people together.”
Responding during a media briefing at the White House, Trump backed FIFA’s position.
“Well, if Gianni said it, I’m OK,” he said. “Let them play. Gianni is fantastic; he’s a friend of mine. I told him, ‘You do whatever you want.’”
Infantino’s stance reinforces FIFA’s commitment to keeping sport separate from political tensions, despite calls in some quarters for Iran to be excluded.
The decision means Iran will compete in the expanded 48-team tournament across the United States, Canada and Mexico as originally planned, keeping one of Asia’s top teams in the global spotlight despite the surrounding controversy.
