FIFA Confident Iran Will Be Allowed to Compete in the 2026 World Cup

FIFA announced Tuesday night that Iran's national team will be permitted to travel to the United States and compete in the World Cup, which begins in roughly three months, despite ongoing conflict between the two countries. FIFA President Gianni Infantino revealed he'd spoken with Donald Trump regarding the upcoming competition and had been given the green light that Iran's team would be permitted to participate. The 2026 tournament, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, is scheduled for June 11 to July 19. Infantino added that their conversation also touched on the present circumstances in Iran and the Iranian national team's qualification for the event. Infantino wrote on Instagram that throughout the negotiations, Trump emphasized that the Iranian squad is welcome to compete in the tournament in the United States.

Iran’s World Cup Schedule in the United States

The Iranian national football team is slated to play several group-stage games in the United States, according to the tournament's schedule. They'll kick things off against New Zealand in Inglewood on June 15th and then face Belgium at the same location on June 21st. Their final group stage match will be against Egypt in Seattle on June 26th. These games are part of the expanded 48-nation FIFA World Cup 2026. Iranian officials had previously expressed uncertainty about the country's involvement in the tournament, given the existing tensions between Iran and the United States.

Political Tensions and Tournament Participation

Concerns about Iran's involvement intensified after Donald Trump's comments last week, where he expressed indifference regarding Iran's participation. Yet, the final conversation between Trump and Gianni Infantino seems to have clarified the U.S. stance. Infantino disclosed that Trump had assured him the Iranian team would be permitted to compete. This declaration should help clear up any lingering doubts about their inclusion, especially as the FIFA World Cup 2026 draws closer. The tournament is set to kick off in June, and preparations are underway in the host cities throughout the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Meanwhile, teams are busy finalizing travel arrangements and training schedules for the worldwide event.

Related: Read also: Iran World Cup Talks Progress Amid War Tensions, World Cup 2026: Tensions, Security and Ticket Backlash, and Mexico Grants Visas to Iraq for World Cup Qualifier.