President Donald Trump endorses Iran’s participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, despite heightened tensions between the two nations.
Trump’s Stance on Iran’s Inclusion
Trump dismisses a recent proposal from US special envoy Paolo Zampolli to replace Iran with Italy, which failed to qualify for a third straight tournament. Zampolli pitched the idea to both Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino earlier this month.
Infantino affirms Iran’s attendance, stating, ‘the Iranian team is coming, for sure,’ during FIFA’s Congress. Trump responds positively: ‘Well if Gianni said it, I’m OK.’ He adds, ‘You know what, let them play. Gianni is fantastic, he’s a friend of mine… You do whatever you want. You can have them, you don’t have to have them.’
When questioned about a potential Iranian victory, Trump notes, ‘If they win we’ll have to worry about that… They probably have a good team.’ He concludes, ‘It would be hard to believe actually. But let them play, right?’
Iran’s Confirmation and Qualification
Iran’s soccer federation confirms its intent to compete, having secured one of eight spots from the Asian Football Confederation. The team faces New Zealand on June 15, Belgium on June 21, and Egypt on June 26 in group play.
Italy, the 2021 European champions, misses out on one of 16 European slots for the third consecutive World Cup.
FIFA’s Authority Under Rules
FIFA holds sole discretion to replace a team if it boycotts, per its rule book: ‘FIFA may decide to replace the Participating Member Association in question with another association.’ The organization previously awarded a Club World Cup spot to Inter Miami last year.
The tournament kicks off June 11, with the final on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
