President Donald Trump has publicly endorsed Iran's participation in the upcoming World Cup on American soil, declaring, "Let them play." This affirmation comes amid lingering doubts about Iran's involvement after the United States and Israel carried out air strikes against Tehran on February 28. Despite the geopolitical tension, FIFA president Gianni Infantino has consistently maintained that Iran's three group‑stage fixtures will proceed as planned in the United States, a point he reiterated during the FIFA Congress on Thursday.
When pressed about Infantino's assurances during a press briefing later that day, Trump responded with a casual endorsement: "Well, if Gianni said it, I'm OK. Did Gianni say it? Gianni Infantino—he's a piece of work." When asked what the administration would do if Iran advanced, the president replied, "If they win we'll have to worry about that.
I'm going to have to worry about that one. 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 added, "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 journalist who posed the question admitted he did not know. Trump concluded, "It would be hard to believe actually. But let them play, right?" Under the current draw, Iran could meet the United States in the round of 32 in Dallas if both sides finish second in their respective groups. This scenario would place the two nations on a potentially charged knockout stage encounter.
Previously, Trump had suggested it would be "inappropriate" for Iran to compete, citing concerns for the safety of its players. At the Vancouver congress, Infantino opened his address by stating unequivocally, "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." Iran's campaign is slated to begin against New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15. Notably, Iran was the only member of FIFA's 211 national associations without federation officials present in Vancouver. The congress also highlighted ongoing tensions within the football community.
Palestinian Football Association (PFA) president Jibril Rajoub declined to stand next to Israel FA vice‑president Basim Sheikh Suliman when Infantino called both men to the podium. Infantino attempted to bridge the divide by placing his hand on Rajoub's arm and inviting him closer, but Rajoub remained unmoved.
Palestinian FA vice‑president Susan Shalabi, who witnessed the incident, 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, denies allegations of genocide in Gaza. Infantino later addressed the crowd, 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 it ignored the substance of Rajoub's earlier speech, which warned against Israeli clubs operating in West Bank settlements.
She said, "To be put in a position where a handshake follows everything that was said negates the whole purpose of the speech that the general Rajoub was giving. 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." Last week, the PFA 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 argues that teams located in settlements—areas Palestinians envision for a future state—should not compete in leagues overseen by the Israel Football Association.
FIFA, citing the unresolved legal status of the West Bank under international law, declined to take action against the IFA or the clubs. Looking ahead, FIFA members will soon vote for the next president at the 2027 congress. Infantino closed the Vancouver meeting by announcing his intention to run for another term. Given his dominance in recent elections—winning his first term in 2016, a second by acclamation in 2019, and a third in 2023 without opposition—his re‑election appears almost certain.
A third full four‑year term would extend his tenure to 2031, positioning him to oversee the centennial 2030 World Cup, which will be co‑hosted by Spain, Portugal and Morocco. By the end of that period, Infantino would have served as FIFA chief for 15 years, just two years shy of the record held by former president Sepp Blatter.
During his speech, Infantino highlighted several achievements under his leadership. He pointed to a $2.7 billion development fund earmarked for the 2027‑2030 cycle—a figure eight times larger than the budget before his arrival. He also projected revenue of more than $14 billion for the 2022‑2026 cycle, largely driven by this summer's World Cup finals.
While FIFA has faced criticism over ticket pricing and its adoption of dynamic pricing, Infantino defended the approach, noting that 500 million ticket requests have been received—ten times the demand of the previous two tournaments combined. He claimed that 100 percent of the inventory offered has been sold, representing roughly 90 percent of the global ticket pool, and emphasized that both premium and affordable options are available. Infantino stressed that all revenue generated is reinvested into the sport, supporting member associations, new competitions, and existing tournaments through the FIFA Forward programme.
He said, "In a big majority of our countries, we could not have organised football the way we know it without the grants and the revenues and the FIFA Forward programme." The congress concluded with a reminder that fans can enter the Super 6 competition for a chance to win £250 000, an offer that remains free to enter.