If US and Iran end second of their respective teams, the 2 international locations might meet in an elimination match
FIFA President Gianni Infantino speaks throughout the inauguration of the Colombian Soccer Federation’s lodge, the place he expressed his help for Mexico forward of the World Cup, in Barranquilla, Colombia, February 24, 2026. REUTERS/Jairo Cassiani
FIFA President Gianni Infantino stated on Wednesday that he met with United States President Donald Trump, who advised him he welcomed Iran’s participation within the 2026 Soccer World Cup, which will likely be co-hosted by the US, Mexico and Canada.
Iran was the one nation lacking from a FIFA planning summit for World Cup contributors held final week in Atlanta, deepening questions over whether or not the nation’s soccer crew will compete on US soil this summer time amid an escalating regional warfare.
The Reuters Iran Briefing publication retains you knowledgeable with the newest developments and evaluation of the Iran warfare.
Trump advised Politico earlier that he’s not involved about Iran’s participation, as they had been a “very badly defeated nation”.
“We additionally spoke concerning the present state of affairs in Iran, and the truth that the Iranian crew has certified to take part within the FIFA World Cup 2026,” soccer’s world governing physique, FIFA, boss Infantino stated in a publish on his official social media account.
Learn: Risks for the US, Trump multiply per week into Iran warfare
“Throughout the discussions, President Trump reiterated that the Iranian crew is, of course, welcome to compete within the match in america.
“All of us want an occasion just like the FIFA World Cup to convey individuals collectively now greater than ever, and I sincerely thank the President of america for his help, because it reveals as soon as once more that Soccer Unites the World.”
Iran secured a visit to a fourth successive World Cup by topping Group A within the third spherical of Asian qualifying final yr, however Mehdi Taj, president of the Soccer Federation of the Islamic Republic of Iran, stated the viciousness of the assaults by US and Israeli forces did not augur effectively for the World Cup, to be held from June 11 to July 19.
The Iranians had been grouped with Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand in Group G. Their matches are scheduled to happen within the US, two in Los Angeles and one in Seattle.
If each the US and Iran end second of their respective teams, the 2 international locations might meet in a July 3 elimination match in Dallas.
