U.S. President Donald Trump has said Iran will be allowed to participate in the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, despite rising tensions in the Middle East.
The tournament will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
According to Gianni Infantino, the issue was discussed during a recent meeting with Trump as preparations continue for the global football event.
In a post on Instagram, Infantino said Trump reaffirmed that Iran’s national team was “of course welcome” to compete in matches scheduled to be held in the United States.
Questions about Iran’s participation emerged after hostilities between Iran, Israel and the United States intensified in late February.
Iran is currently scheduled to play its three group-stage matches in the U.S., including games in Los Angeles and Seattle.
The uncertainty has also prompted concern within Iran’s football federation about sending the national team to the tournament.
In a separate development, several members of Iran’s women’s national team reportedly sought asylum during the AFC Women’s Asian Cup in Australia after facing criticism at home for not singing the national anthem before a match.
