'Let them play': President Trump open to Iran participating in 2026 World Cup

TL;DR

President Trump is open to Iran participating in the 2026 World Cup amid ongoing tensions. FIFA President Gianni Infantino also expects Iran to compete in the tournament.

Key points

Trump is open to Iran playing in the 2026 World Cup
Iran's participation is uncertain due to U.S.-Israel conflict
Team Melli is reportedly prepared to compete
FIFA President Infantino expects Iran to participate

Mentioned in this story

Donald TrumpGianni Infantino

Team Melli2026 World Cup

U.S. President Donald Trump has said he is open to Iran playing at the 2026 World Cup, following in the footsteps of FIFA president Gianni Infantino.

Iran's status for the tournament this summer has been in question after the U.S. and Israel launched an armed conflict against the country in late February.

Though Iran has previously indicated that it may withdraw, last week a government spokeswoman said Team Melli is "fully prepared" to play at the tournament in the United States, Mexico and Canada.

Addressing the FIFA Congress in Vancouver, Infantino made it clear that he expected Iran to be present at the competition in North America.

"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 Thursday, April 30.

Iran had previously asked FIFA to move its World Cup matches from the United States to Mexico, but that request was denied.

Iran is scheduled to play New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15, then takes on Belgium in Los Angeles on June 21 before facing Egypt in Seattle on June 26.

Hours after Infantino's speech, Trump said he was happy to allow Iran to participate when asked by reporters about the FIFA president's remarks.

"Well if Gianni said it I’m OK," Trump said. "Gianni Infantino, that's a piece of work."

He added: "You know what, let them play. Gianni’s fantastic, he’s a friend of mine. He talked about it. I said: ‘You do whatever you want.'