Trump Endorses Iran’s Participation in 2026 World Cup Amid Ongoing Tensions

U.S. President Donald Trump has stated that he is comfortable with the Iranian national football team participating in the 2026 FIFA World Cup on American soil, despite ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.

Speaking to reporters at the Oval Office on April 30, Trump said his position aligns with that of FIFA President Gianni Infantino, noting that if Infantino supports Iran’s participation, he does as well.

“If Gianni said it, I’m OK… Let them play,” Trump remarked.

His comments come despite an active travel ban affecting Iranian nationals, although exceptions have reportedly been made for athletes and official sporting delegations involved in the tournament.

Earlier the same day, Infantino addressed the issue at the 76th FIFA Congress in Vancouver, dismissing speculation that Iran’s fixtures might be relocated or that the team could be replaced. He emphasized that the World Cup should promote unity, even amid global political tensions.

Iran is scheduled to compete in Group G matches in the United States, with fixtures set for Los Angeles and Seattle against teams including New Zealand, Belgium, and Egypt.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio also supported the decision, aligning with the administration’s approval of Iranian athletes’ entry for the tournament.

The announcement comes amid continued geopolitical strain following a U.S.-led military offensive earlier in 2026. However, officials say sporting arrangements are being treated separately from diplomatic disputes.

The U.S. House of Representatives has also recently voted to end a prolonged 75-day shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security, ensuring full staffing of border and airport security agencies ahead of the expected influx of international visitors for the tournament.

While Iran’s football federation was absent from the FIFA Congress due to a dispute with Canadian border authorities, FIFA maintains that the team’s participation in the tournament remains confirmed.

There is also potential for a politically charged encounter on the pitch, as Iran and the United States could meet in the knockout stage if both progress from their groups.