FIFA President Gianni Infantino met with U.S. President Donald Trump to discuss preparations for the 2026 World Cup, receiving assurances that Iran's national team can participate despite ongoing conflict. The tournament, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, faces uncertainty over Iran's involvement following U.S. and Israeli military actions against the country. Infantino emphasized the event's role in uniting people amid global tensions.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino announced on March 11, 2026, that he had met with U.S. President Donald Trump the previous evening to review preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. During the discussions, Trump reiterated that the Iranian national team is welcome to compete in the tournament hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19.
Iran qualified early for the 48-team event and is drawn in Group G alongside Belgium, New Zealand, and Egypt. The team is scheduled to play two group-stage matches in Los Angeles on June 15 against New Zealand and June 21 against Belgium, with the third against Egypt in Seattle on June 26. However, participation has been in doubt since late February, when the U.S. and Israel launched a military offensive against Iran, killing Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in an airstrike on February 28. Iran retaliated with drone and missile attacks on U.S. and Israeli bases, leading to regional airspace closures and economic concerns, including rising oil prices.
Infantino stated, "President Trump reiterated that the Iranian team is, of course, welcome to compete in the tournament in the United States." 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."
FIFA's Chief Operating Officer Heimo Schirgi, speaking on March 10 in Dallas, affirmed the tournament will proceed as planned, calling it "too big" to postpone. "At some stage, we will have a resolution, and the World Cup will go on obviously," Schirgi said. "The World Cup is too big, and we hope that everyone can participate that has qualified."
Iran's Football Federation head Mehdi Taj expressed doubts on state television, questioning participation in a U.S.-hosted event amid the war: "How could one be optimistic about the World Cup that is supposed to be held in America?" FIFA regulations allow for fines or bans if a team withdraws, though force majeure could apply in cases of war. Potential replacement could come from inter-confederation playoffs, with Iraq as a candidate facing travel issues due to the conflict.
FIFA continues to monitor the situation and communicate with Iran's federation, prioritizing the tournament's global unity.
