FIFA President Gianni Infantino has asserted that former US President Donald Trump has provided reassurances that Iran remains welcome to participate in the upcoming World Cup, even as military conflicts continue to escalate in the Middle East. Iran successfully qualified for this summer's tournament, but their involvement has been cast into serious doubt following a series of US and Israeli air strikes on Iranian territory, which resulted in the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Escalating Tensions and Initial Remarks
In response to the air strikes, Iran launched retaliatory attacks on US-allied states in the Gulf region, further intensifying the geopolitical crisis. Last week, when questioned by Politico about Iran's potential participation in the World Cup, Trump was quoted as saying, 'I really don't care,' a comment that seemed to dismiss the issue entirely. This statement added to the uncertainty, with Mehdi Taj, the head of Iran's football federation, recently indicating that it is 'unlikely that we can look forward to the cup' amid the ongoing conflict, suggesting a possible withdrawal.
Infantino's Meeting with Trump
Infantino, who awarded Trump the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize in December, has now revealed that during a meeting on Tuesday, Trump reiterated that the Iranian team is indeed welcome to compete. In an official statement, Infantino detailed the discussion, saying, 'This evening, I met with the President of the United States, Donald J. Trump to discuss the status of preparations for the upcoming FIFA World Cup, and the growing excitement as we are set to kick off in just 93 days.'
He continued, 'We also spoke about the current situation in Iran, and the fact that the Iranian team has qualified to participate in the FIFA World Cup 2026. During the discussions, President Trump reiterated that the Iranian team is, of course, welcome to compete in the tournament in the United States.' Infantino emphasized the unifying power of football, adding, 'We all need an event like the FIFA World Cup to bring people together now more than ever, and I sincerely thank the President of the United States for his support, as it shows once again that Football Unites the World.'
Iran's World Cup Schedule and Logistics
Should Iran decide to participate, they are currently scheduled to play all three of their group stage matches in the United States. Their campaign would begin against New Zealand at the SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on June 15, followed by a match against Belgium at the same venue six days later. They would then complete the group stage in Seattle on June 26, facing Egypt.
Iran secured their place in a fourth consecutive World Cup by finishing at the top of Group A in Asian qualifying, establishing themselves as one of the strongest teams in the Asian Football Confederation. Originally, the team was planned to be based at the Kino Sports Complex in Tucson, Arizona, for the duration of the event. However, these logistical arrangements are now in significant jeopardy due to the ongoing political and military tensions.
Broader Implications and Future Outlook
The situation highlights the complex interplay between international sports and global politics, with the World Cup serving as a potential platform for diplomacy amidst conflict. Infantino's efforts to secure assurances from Trump underscore FIFA's desire to maintain inclusivity and neutrality in the tournament. As the event approaches, the focus will remain on whether Iran can navigate the geopolitical challenges to compete, and how this might impact team morale and performance on the world stage.
