FIFA has expressed confidence that Iran’s national football team will be able to travel to the United States and compete in the 2026 World Cup, despite ongoing tensions between the two countries.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino confirmed on Tuesday that he spoke directly with US President Donald Trump regarding the team’s participation.
According to Infantino, Trump assured him that Iran’s players would be granted entry to the United States to take part in the tournament.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, is scheduled to begin on 11 June and run until 19 July. Iran is set to play its group matches in the US, starting with New Zealand in Inglewood, California on 15 June, followed by a clash against Belgium on 21 June, and concluding the group stage versus Egypt in Seattle on 26 June.
Concerns had arisen in recent weeks over the team’s ability to attend, given the escalating conflict involving the US and Iran. Infantino said that his discussion with Trump provided reassurance that the tournament would accommodate all qualified teams, including Iran.
“The World Cup is about uniting people through sport, even amid difficult circumstances,” Infantino said, highlighting the importance of keeping the tournament on schedule. He thanked Trump for his commitment to facilitating Iran’s participation.
Earlier, FIFA World Cup Chief Operating Officer Heimo Schirgi emphasised that postponing the event was not an option due to its global significance.
“We are monitoring the situation closely, but we remain confident that all teams will be able to take part,” Schirgi said, adding that FIFA is taking a day-to-day approach to the evolving geopolitical tensions.
Despite previous US travel restrictions affecting Iranian nationals, officials are optimistic that the World Cup will proceed smoothly, ensuring that qualified teams can compete and fans worldwide can celebrate the sport.
