FIFA President Says Iran Can Compete in 2026 World Cup in US

Infantino met with Trump, who assured Iranian team will be allowed to participate despite ongoing war.

Published on Mar. 11, 2026

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FIFA President Gianni Infantino said he met with President Donald Trump and received assurances that Iran's national soccer team will be allowed to compete in the 2026 World Cup, which the U.S. is hosting along with Canada and Mexico. Infantino said Trump reiterated that the Iranian team is welcome to participate in the tournament despite the ongoing war between the U.S. and Iran.

Why it matters

The participation of Iran's national team in the World Cup has been in doubt due to the ongoing conflict between the U.S. and Iran. Infantino's meeting with Trump and the subsequent assurance that Iran can compete helps provide clarity and ensures the tournament will include teams from all qualified nations.

The details

Iran is scheduled to play three group stage matches in the 2026 World Cup - against New Zealand in Inglewood, California on June 15, against Belgium on June 21, and against Egypt in Seattle on June 26. There had been concerns raised by Iranian officials that the country's participation may be in jeopardy because of the war, but Infantino said Trump reiterated that the Iranian team is welcome to compete in the tournament.

  • Infantino met with President Trump on Tuesday, March 11, 2026 to discuss the status of World Cup preparations.
  • The 2026 FIFA World Cup is scheduled to take place from June 11 to July 19, 2026 in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

The players

Gianni Infantino

The President of FIFA, the international governing body of association football, futsal, and beach soccer.

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States who Infantino met with to discuss Iran's participation in the 2026 World Cup.

Iran national football team

The national soccer team of Iran that has qualified to compete in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

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What they’re saying

“We also spoke about the current situation in Iran, and the fact that the Iranian team has qualified to participate in the FIFA World Cup 2026. During the discussions, President Trump reiterated that the Iranian team is, of course, welcome to compete in the tournament in the United States.”

— Gianni Infantino, FIFA President

“We all need an event like the FIFA World Cup to bring people together now more than ever.”

— Gianni Infantino, FIFA President

What’s next

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The takeaway

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