Infantino announced this information on social media after meeting with Trump on 11/3 to discuss preparations for the 2026 World Cup across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The tournament will take place from 11/6 to 19/7, featuring 48 participating teams.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino speaks at a Peace Council meeting at the U.S. Institute of Peace, 19/2/2026, in Washington, D.C., US. Photo: *AP*.

According to the FIFA head, both sides discussed the current situation in Iran and the national team's qualification for the World Cup. During the discussion, Trump reaffirmed that the Iranian team is welcome to compete in the tournament in the US.

"We need an event like the World Cup more than ever to bring people closer together," Infantino wrote. "Thank you for the support of the US President. This once again shows that football can unite the world."

Iran secured its spot in the 2026 World Cup after topping Group A in last year's Asian qualifiers. In this summer's finals, the team is placed in Group G with Belgium, Egypt, and New Zealand. Iran will face New Zealand on 15/6 and Belgium on 21/6 in Los Angeles, before playing Egypt on 26/6 in Seattle.

However, Iran's participation was questioned following airstrikes by the US and Israel targeting the country. The attack resulted in the death of Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, escalating regional tensions. Subsequently, Iran retaliated with missiles and drones aimed at Israel and several Gulf Arab nations hosting US military bases.

Iranian Football Federation President Mehdi Taj admitted it was difficult to view the World Cup with optimism. "After these attacks, it's hard to say we have much hope for the tournament," Taj was quoted by media.

Iran's absence from a FIFA-organized World Cup preparation conference in Atlanta, Georgia last week further fueled doubts about the team's ability to play in the US. Previously, Trump himself made a notable statement when telling Politico that he did not care whether Iran participated in the World Cup. However, according to Infantino at the most recent meeting, the US President ensured that the Iranian team would be granted entry to compete.

The relationship between Infantino and Trump has been considered quite close in recent years. Last year, FIFA awarded Trump the organization's first "Peace" prize. This move indicates that the world football governing body aims to strengthen ties with the White House ahead of the World Cup.

The 2026 World Cup is the largest in history with 48 teams and over 100 matches. Despite recent geopolitical fluctuations, FIFA leadership affirmed the tournament would proceed as planned. FIFA World Cup Chief Operating Officer, Heimo Schirgi, believes the event's scale makes postponement or cancellation nearly impossible.

"We monitor the situation daily and hope for a solution soon," Schirgi said. "But the World Cup is too big to be postponed, and we hope all qualified teams can participate."

According to sports law experts, if the US refused to host the Iranian team, FIFA could even consider revoking the host nation's rights. A similar situation occurred in 2023 when FIFA removed Indonesia as the host of the U20 World Cup because the country did not accept Israel's participation.

If they advance past the group stage, Iran could even face the US national team in the knockout round. This scenario would occur if both teams finish second in their respective groups and meet in a match scheduled for 3/7 in Dallas.

By Hoang An (Sources: Reuters, AP)