US President Donald Trump has assured Fifa that Iran is “welcome” to compete at this summer’s World Cup, according to Gianni Infantino.
Iran’s participation in this summer’s tournament remains in serious doubt following joint American and Israeli military strikes against the country, which began on February 28.
The bombardment has prompted retaliation from Tehran amid escalating regional turmoil, with neighbouring Middle East nations drawn into the conflict.
Earlier this month, Mr Trump said he “really didn’t care” whether Iran played at the World Cup in the summer.
However, the US President has now changed his stance and is supportive of the team’s involvement, according to Fifa president Infantino.
After a meeting between the two men, Infantino wrote on social media: “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.
“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.”
US President Donald Trump has assured Fifa that Iran is ‘welcome’ to compete at this summer’s World Cup, according to Gianni Infantino
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He added: “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 is due to play all three of their group G games in the US, facing Belgium, Egypt, and New Zealand.
The US has been drawn into Group D alongside Paraguay, Australia, and the winner of the Play-off Path C, to be determined between Turkey, Romania, Slovakia, or Kosovo.
If both teams were to finish second in their respective groups, they would face each other in the round of 32 on June 3 in Dallas.
Infantino issued an update on social media after a meeting between the two men
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INSTAGRAM/GIANNI_INFANTINO
Further complications arise from a travel ban introduced by President Trump, which has cast doubt over whether Iranian supporters can enter the country to watch their team.
Fifa general secretary Mattias Grafstrom confirmed the governing body would monitor developments closely.
The 2026 World Cup introduces a new 48-team format, expanding from the traditional 32-team structure used since 1998.
Instead of eight groups of four, the tournament will now feature 12 groups of four teams.
The World Cup draw took place in Washington in December last year
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The top two from each group, plus the eight best third-placed teams, will advance to a much larger Round of 32.
This replaces the old system, which moved straight into a Round of 16.
As a result, the competition grows from 64 to 104 matches, making it the biggest World Cup ever.
Supporters have already begun arranging their transatlantic travel plans, with tickets currently on sale.
