U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed a positive stance on Iran's participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America, according to FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
Infantino posted on his Instagram on March 11 that he met with Trump earlier that evening to discuss preparations for the upcoming World Cup and the growing anticipation with 93 days until kickoff.
"We also discussed the current situation regarding Iran and the fact that the Iranian national team has qualified for this World Cup," Infantino wrote. "President Trump reconfirmed that he naturally welcomes the Iranian team's participation in the tournament being held in the United States."
Iran's World Cup participation has drawn significant attention following U.S. and Israeli airstrikes on Iran in late February and Iran's subsequent retaliatory attacks.
Against this backdrop, Trump's welcoming stance toward Iran's participation has emerged.
"Right now, we all need events like the World Cup that bring people together," Infantino added. "I am grateful for President Trump's support, and this once again demonstrates that football unites the world."
According to the confirmed draw, Iran is placed in Group G and will play all its group-stage matches against New Zealand, Belgium, and Egypt in the United States.