US President Donald Trump has affirmed that Iran is “welcome” to take part in the upcoming World Cup in North America, despite ongoing tensions and conflict in the Middle East, according to FIFA president Gianni Infantino.
Infantino, in an Instagram post on Wednesday, said he discussed preparations for the tournament with Trump, noting that the conversation also touched on the situation in Iran.
“During the discussions, President Trump reiterated that the Iranian team is, of course, welcome to compete in the tournament in the United States,” Infantino wrote.
The remarks come amid heightened geopolitical tensions in the region, raising questions about the participation of certain national teams. Trump’s statement, however, signals a commitment to keeping sports and politics separate in the context of the World Cup.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, is scheduled to kick off later this year, drawing teams from around the globe to compete on North American soil
