Former President Donald Trump has publicly endorsed the idea that Iran should be allowed to compete on U.S. soil during the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, summing up his stance with a simple, "Let them play." This endorsement came amid ongoing diplomatic tensions that have left Iran's participation in the tournament uncertain ever since the United States and Israel carried out air strikes against Iranian targets on February 28. FIFA President Gianni Infantino has been adamant that Iran will be part of the competition as originally scheduled, insisting that all three of the Iranian team's group‑stage matches will be held in the United States. Infantino reiterated this point during a formal address at the FIFA Congress in Vancouver on Thursday, attempting to calm concerns among fans and officials alike.
When a reporter asked Trump about Infantino's assurances, the former president responded with characteristic brevity: "Well, if Gianni said it, I'm OK. Did Gianni say it?
Gianni Infantino—he's a piece of work." He then added, "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.'" Trump continued, "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 admitted he did not, to which Trump replied, "It would be hard to believe actually.
But let them play, right?" Under the current draw, Iran could potentially face the United States in the round of 32 in Dallas if both sides finish second in their respective groups. This possibility has sparked additional speculation, especially given Trump's earlier remarks that it would be "inappropriate" for Iran to participate if it threatened the safety of American citizens. Infantino opened his address at the Vancouver congress by stating, "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 note that Iran's campaign will kick off against New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15, marking the nation's first match on American soil.
Notably, Iran was the only one of FIFA's 211 member associations without a federation representative present in Vancouver, a detail that did not go unnoticed by observers. The congress also featured a tense moment involving the Palestinian Football Association (PFA) president Jibril Rajoub and the Israeli FA vice‑president Basim Sheikh Suliman.
Infantino called both men to the stage, urging them to stand side by side as a symbol of reconciliation. Rajoub, however, refused to move closer to Suliman, a gesture that highlighted the lingering political friction between the two sides.
Infantino placed a hand on Rajoub's arm and invited him to join Suliman, but the invitation was rebuffed. When asked about Rajoub's refusal, Palestinian FA vice‑president Susan Shalabi, who was present, told Reuters, "I cannot shake the hand of someone the Israelis have brought to whitewash their fascism and genocide!
We are suffering." The comment referenced the ongoing conflict in Gaza, where Israel has denied accusations of genocide. Infantino later attempted to smooth over the incident, 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 Infantino's attempt to force a handshake, arguing that it ignored the substance of Rajoub's earlier speech, which called for Israeli clubs to stop operating in West Bank settlements. She said, "To be put in a position where a handshake after everything that was said, this 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 such clubs should not be allowed to compete in leagues run by the Israeli Football Association because the settlements are located on territory Palestinians claim for a future state.
FIFA, citing the unresolved legal status of the West Bank under international law, declined to take punitive action against the Israeli FA or its clubs. Looking ahead, FIFA will invite its member associations to vote on the next president at the 2027 congress. Infantino concluded the Vancouver meeting by announcing his intention to run for re‑election. Given his dominance in the voting process—he has faced little to no opposition in previous elections—his continued tenure appears almost certain.
If he secures a third full four‑year term, he will remain at the helm until 2031, overseeing the centenary World Cup slated for 2030 across Spain, Portugal, and Morocco. By the end of that term, Infantino would have served as FIFA president for 15 years, just two years shy of the 17‑year tenure of his predecessor, Sepp Blatter.
Infantino's first term began in 2016, and although the statutes originally limited presidents to three terms, rule changes now count only full terms, effectively resetting his eligibility. He was re‑elected unopposed in 2019 after the voting process was omitted, and again in 2023 under similar circumstances. His popularity among non‑European federations has turned his elections into procedural formalities rather than competitive contests. During his speech, Infantino highlighted several financial achievements of FIFA under his leadership.
He cited a development funding budget of $2.7 billion (approximately £2 billion) for the 2027‑2030 cycle, an eight‑fold increase compared with the period before his tenure. He also projected revenue exceeding $14 billion (about £10.3 billion) for the current 2022‑2026 cycle, driven primarily by the lucrative ticket sales for this summer's World Cup. Ticket pricing has attracted criticism, especially after FIFA introduced a dynamic pricing model.
Infantino defended the approach, noting that the organization received 500 million ticket requests—a tenfold jump from the 50 million requests across the previous two World Cups combined. He claimed that FIFA sold 100 percent of the inventory it made available, which represents roughly 90 percent of the global ticket stock, and that both premium and affordable options remain on the market. He emphasized that all revenue generated is reinvested into the sport, supporting member associations, and funding existing and new competitions.
"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," he said. Beyond the political drama, the article concluded with a promotional note about a chance to win £250,000 through a free entry Super 6 game, reminding readers to download the Sky Sports app for the latest updates on the 2026 World Cup and related content.