rki.news
Source: Xinhua
WASHINGTON, March 10: U.S. President Donald Trump has said Iran’s national football team will be welcome to participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, according to FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
Infantino shared the remarks after meeting Trump on Tuesday evening to review preparations for the upcoming global football tournament. The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico from June to July.
In a statement on social media, Infantino said the meeting focused on organizational preparations and the growing anticipation ahead of the tournament’s kickoff, expected in just over three months.
The FIFA chief said the discussion also touched on the current situation involving Iran, whose national team has already secured qualification for the prestigious competition. According to Infantino, President Trump reaffirmed that the Iranian team would be welcome to compete in the United States during the tournament.
Infantino noted that international sporting events like the FIFA World Cup help bring nations and people together, particularly during times of global tension.
The remarks come amid heightened tensions in the Middle East following recent military strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran, raising questions about Iran’s participation in the tournament.
Iran Football Federation President Mehdi Taj recently expressed concern, saying the country could not be fully optimistic about taking part under the current circumstances.
According to the official draw, Iran is placed in Group G alongside Belgium, New Zealand and Egypt, with all group-stage matches scheduled to be played in the United States.