US President Donald Trump has approved Iran’s participation in the upcoming World Cup tournament in the United States, stating, “Let them play.” The tournament is set to begin on June 11, with all three of Iran’s group stage matches scheduled to be held on American soil amid ongoing conflicts in the Middle East.
Iran successfully qualified for the 48-team tournament and is slated to compete in Group G against New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles, and against Egypt in Seattle. Following the escalation of tensions between Iran, Israel, and the US in late February, there were discussions about potential changes to Iran’s participation in the World Cup.
Earlier, Donald Trump expressed concerns about Iran’s safety and suggested the possibility of moving their fixtures from the US to Mexico or replacing Iran with Italy, which did not qualify for the tournament. Despite these considerations, FIFA president Infantino remained resolute in ensuring that the World Cup would proceed smoothly, emphasizing that it would be a celebratory event despite geopolitical challenges.
During the 2026 FIFA Congress in Vancouver, Infantino reassured attendees that Iran would indeed participate in the World Cup, emphasizing the importance of unity and inclusivity. However, Iranian Football Federation president Mehdi Taj faced entry denial into Canada due to reported affiliations with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, making Iran the sole nation absent at the FIFA Congress shortly before the tournament.
Canada’s stance on barring officials associated with the IRGC led to Iran’s exclusion from the Congress, as Canada officially designated the IRGC as a terrorist entity. Despite these challenges, FIFA affirmed Iran’s participation in the upcoming World Cup in the US, highlighting the strength of the Iranian team and the significance of bringing people together through sports.
As the World Cup approaches, the anticipation for Iran’s involvement in the tournament continues, with FIFA emphasizing the importance of unity and sportsmanship on the global stage.