U.S. President Donald Trump has said he is comfortable with Iran’s national football team taking part in the 2026 FIFA World Cup on American soil, despite ongoing geopolitical tensions and existing restrictions on Iranian nationals.
Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office on Thursday, April 30, Trump referenced his relationship with FIFA President Gianni Infantino, indicating that he would support Iran’s participation if FIFA leadership backs it.
“If Gianni said it, I’m OK,” Trump said. “You know what? Let them play.”
The remarks come even as a travel ban on Iranian nationals remains in place, although exemptions have been made for athletes and officials connected to sporting events.
His comments followed a firm position expressed earlier the same day by Infantino at the 76th FIFA Congress in Vancouver, where he dismissed speculation that Iran’s fixtures might be relocated to Mexico or that the team could be excluded from the tournament. He stressed that the World Cup should serve as a unifying event during periods of global tension.
Iran is scheduled to compete in Group G matches against New Zealand and Belgium at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on June 15 and 21, followed by a fixture against Egypt in Seattle on June 26.
The approval carries added significance given current international tensions, including a U.S.-led offensive that began in February 2026. Despite this, Secretary of State Marco Rubio has also expressed support for Iranian athletes participating in the tournament.
The developments coincided with the U.S. House of Representatives voting to end a 75-day shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security, a move aimed at restoring full staffing and payment for TSA and Customs personnel ahead of the expected surge of international visitors.
Iran’s football federation was notably absent from the FIFA Congress due to a dispute involving Canadian border officials, though FIFA maintains that the team’s place in the tournament remains secure.
With the tournament draw in place, there is also the possibility that Iran and the United States could meet in the Round of 32 if both teams finish second in their respective groups, adding a potential high-profile matchup to the competition.
