US President Donald Trump has reversed his earlier stance and given the green light for Iran to participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be held across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Trump said: “Let them play.” The tournament kicks off on June 11, with all three of Iran's group-stage matches scheduled to take place on US soil.
Iran, who qualified for the expanded 48-team tournament, are placed in Group G and will face New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles, and Egypt in Seattle. The decision comes amid ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which had previously prompted Trump to deem Iranian participation “not appropriate” for their own safety. Some officials had suggested moving Iran's matches to Mexico or replacing them with Italy, who failed to qualify.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has consistently supported Iran's inclusion, stating at the 2026 FIFA Congress in Vancouver: “Iran will be at the FIFA World Cup, and we’re excited because they’re a very, very strong team.” He added that there was “no plan B, C or D – only plan A” regarding Iran's participation. Trump, when asked about Infantino's comments, responded: “Well if Gianni said it, I’m OK.”
Despite the diplomatic green light, tensions remain. Iranian Football Federation President Mehdi Taj was denied entry into Canada for the FIFA Congress due to his affiliation with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which Canada deems inadmissible. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada confirmed that IRGC officials “have no place in our country.” Iran was the only nation not represented at the Congress, just 42 days before the World Cup begins.
