FIFA president says Iran will play in World Cup as Trump backs their participation: 'Let them play'

FIFA President Gianni Infantino affirmed on Thursday that Iran will take part in this summer’s World Cup despite the country’s current conflict between the country and the United States.

"Of course, Iran will be participating at the FIFA World Cup 2026, and of course Iran will play in the United States of America," Infantino said during his opening remarks of the FIFA Congress in Vancouver. "The reason for that is very simple, dear friends, is because we have to unite. We have to bring people together. It is my responsibility."

Among the 211-member FIFA congress, Iran was the only absentee.

When asked about Infantino’s comments, President Donald Trump said Thursday he was fine with Iran participating.

Iran was drawn into Group G with Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand and is scheduled to play its games at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, and Lumen Field in Seattle. The team is scheduled to set up a training base in Tucson, Arizona.

Infantino’s comments, which he’s stated multiple times since the U.S.-Iran war started in March, come a day after Iran’s delegation was denied entry into Canada to attend the congress. , two delegates were allowed into the country, but chose not to attend after a third member of their part was denied entry by Canadian immigration officials.