Former U.S. President Donald Trump has publicly given his approval for Iran to take part in the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup on American soil, summing it up in a simple remark: "Let them play." This endorsement comes amid lingering doubts about Iran's participation after the United States and Israel carried out air strikes against Iranian targets on February 28, an action that raised questions about the safety and logistics of the Iranian team traveling to the United States. FIFA president Gianni Infantino has been unwavering in his assurances that Iran will be allowed to compete as scheduled, with all three of its group‑stage matches set to be held in the United States. Infantino reiterated this stance during the FIFA Congress in Vancouver on Thursday, emphasizing that the tournament must remain inclusive and that political disputes should not interfere with the sport.
When reporters later asked Trump to comment on Infantino's statements, the former president responded with a casual, "Well if Gianni said it, I'm OK." He went on to add, "Did Gianni say it? Gianni Infantino – that's a piece of work," before noting that if Iran were to win any of its games, "we'll have to worry about that one." Trump concluded his remarks with a clear endorsement: "You know what, let them play. Gianni is fantastic, he's a friend of mine, he talked about it, I said, 'you do whatever you want.'" He also mused about the quality of the Iranian side, saying, "You can have them, you don't have to have them, they probably have a good team. Do they have a good team, do you have any idea?" The reporter who asked the original question admitted he did not know, to which Trump replied, "It would be hard to believe actually.
But let them play, right?" In the tournament draw, Iran could potentially meet the United States in the round of 32 in Dallas if both nations finish second in their respective groups, setting up a politically charged encounter on the field. Trump has previously described it as "inappropriate" for Iran to travel to the United States for safety reasons, but his recent comments suggest a more relaxed attitude, at least in public.
Infantino opened his address at the Vancouver congress with a firm statement: "Let me start at the outset by confirming straight away, for those who maybe want to say something else or write something else, that of course Iran will be participating at the FIFA World Cup 2026. And of course, Iran will play in the United States of America. The reason for that is simple, because we have to unite. We have to bring people together." He went on to announce that Iran's opening match will be against New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15.
Iran was the only one of FIFA's 211 member associations whose federation officials were absent from the Vancouver gathering. The congress also highlighted tensions involving the Palestinian Football Association (PFA). PFA president Jibril Rajoub declined to stand beside Israel FA vice‑president Basim Sheikh Suliman when Infantino called both men to the stage.
Infantino attempted to gesture Rajoub closer, placing a hand on his arm, but Rajoub refused. Palestinian FA vice‑president Susan Shalabi later told Reuters, "I cannot shake the hand of someone the Israelis have brought to whitewash their fascism and genocide! We are suffering." Israel, for its part, has denied accusations of genocide in Gaza.
Infantino tried to smooth the situation by saying, "We will work together, president Rajoub, vice‑president Suliman. Let's work together to give hope to the children. These are complex matters." Shalabi criticized the gesture, arguing that a forced handshake undermined the substance of Rajoub's earlier speech, which warned against Israeli clubs operating in West Bank settlements.
She said, "He spent like 15 minutes trying to explain to everyone how the rules matter, how this could easily become a precedent where the rights of member associations are violated with impudence, and then we'll just wrap this under the carpet. It was absurd." The PFA has recently appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, challenging FIFA's decision not to sanction Israel over clubs based in West Bank settlements.
The Palestinian side maintains that teams located in settlements—areas Palestinians envision as part of a future state—should not be allowed to compete in leagues overseen by the Israel Football Association. FIFA responded last month that it could not act because the legal status of the West Bank remains unresolved under international law.
Looking ahead, FIFA members will soon vote for the organization’s next president at the 2027 congress. Infantino closed the Vancouver meeting by announcing his intention to run for another term.
Given his overwhelming support among federations outside Europe, his re‑election is expected to be a formality, potentially extending his tenure until 2031. That would see him preside over the centenary 2030 World Cup, which will be co‑hosted by Spain, Portugal and Morocco, and would mark fifteen years in office—just two years shy of the record held by former president Sepp Blatter. Infantino’s first term began in 2016 and was supposed to be his last, but FIFA amended its statutes so that only full terms count toward the three‑term limit. He was re‑elected unopposed in 2019 and again in 2023, each time without a formal vote because no other candidates emerged.
Critics argue that this process undermines democratic principles, yet Infantino remains popular with many national associations, especially those in Africa, Asia and the Americas. During his speech, Infantino highlighted several financial achievements under his leadership.
He cited a development fund of $2.7 billion (approximately £2 billion) earmarked for the 2027‑2030 cycle—a figure eight times larger than the budget before his tenure. He also projected that revenue for the current 2022‑2026 cycle would exceed $14 billion (about £10.3 billion), largely driven by ticket sales and broadcasting rights for the 2026 World Cup. Ticket pricing has sparked controversy, with FIFA adopting a dynamic pricing model that some fans view as overly expensive. Infantino defended the approach, noting that the tournament received 500 million ticket requests—ten times the demand of the previous two World Cups combined.
He claimed that FIFA sold 100 percent of the inventory made available, which represents roughly 90 percent of the global ticket stock, and that both premium and affordable options are on offer. He emphasized that all revenue generated is reinvested into the sport, funding the FIFA Forward programme, supporting member associations, and developing new competitions. In summary, despite geopolitical tensions and criticism of FIFA’s governance, the organization is moving forward with its plans for the 2026 World Cup, ensuring that Iran will take part in matches held across the United States. The ongoing dialogue between football’s governing bodies and political leaders highlights the delicate balance between sport, diplomacy, and commercial interests as the world prepares for one of the biggest sporting events of the decade.