Former U.S. President Donald Trump has publicly voiced his support for Iran taking part in the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be staged on American soil this summer.
In a brief exchange with reporters, Trump summed up his stance with a simple phrase: "Let them play." The question of whether Iran would be allowed to compete has lingered since the United States and Israel carried out air strikes against Iranian targets on February 28, an action that heightened diplomatic tensions and cast doubt on the country's eligibility to travel to the United States for the tournament. Gianni Infantino, the president of FIFA, has repeatedly assured fans and officials that Iran will be present as scheduled, with all three of its group‑stage matches slated to occur in the U.S.
He reiterated this guarantee during a formal address at FIFA’s congress on Thursday, emphasizing that the organization’s commitment to inclusivity and global participation remains unchanged. When asked about Infantino’s assurances during a later media briefing, Trump responded with a casual affirmation: "Well, if Gianni said it, I’m OK with it.
Did Gianni say it? Gianni Infantino — that’s a piece of work." He went on to explain that he would defer to Infantino’s judgment, noting, "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.’" The former president was also pressed on the hypothetical scenario of Iran advancing far enough to face the United States in the knockout stage. Trump answered, "If they win we’ll have to worry about that.
I’m going to have to worry about that one. It would be hard to believe actually, but let them play, right?" He added, with a hint of humor, that he was not certain how strong Iran’s squad might be, asking the reporter, "Do they have a good team? Do you have any idea?" The reporter admitted he did not. Under the current tournament draw, Iran could potentially meet the United States in the round of 32 in Dallas, should both nations finish second in their respective groups.
This possibility has sparked further debate, as Trump has previously described the notion of Iran playing on American soil as "inappropriate" given concerns for the safety of Iranian players and officials. Infantino opened his speech at the Vancouver congress by stating unequivocally, "Iran will be participating at the FIFA World Cup 2026, and 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 highlighted that Iran’s campaign will begin with a match against New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15.
Iran was notably the only one of FIFA’s 211 member associations whose federation officials were absent from the Vancouver meeting, a fact that underscored the political sensitivities surrounding its participation. The congress also saw a tense moment involving the Palestinian Football Association (PFA) president Jibril Rajoub and Israel FA vice‑president Basim Sheikh Suliman.
Infantino called both men to the stage and attempted to encourage a handshake, but Rajoub declined to approach Suliman, citing the broader conflict. 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." Israel has consistently denied accusations of genocide in Gaza, a claim that continues to fuel international controversy. 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 later criticized the gesture as tone‑deaf, arguing that forcing a handshake after Rajoub’s impassioned speech undermined the very message he was delivering about the rights of Palestinian clubs and the status of West Bank settlements. The PFA has recently appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, challenging FIFA’s decision not to sanction Israel over clubs that operate in West Bank settlements—areas that Palestinians envision as part of a future independent state. FIFA defended its position by pointing to the unresolved legal status of the West Bank under international law.
Looking ahead, FIFA members will vote for the organization’s next president at the 2027 congress. Infantino, who is seeking re‑election, is widely expected to secure a third full four‑year term, which would extend his leadership through 2031 and include oversight of the centennial 2030 World Cup, planned to be co‑hosted by Spain, Portugal and Morocco.
By the end of that term, Infantino would have served roughly 15 years—only two years fewer than his predecessor Sepp Blatter. Infantino first won the presidency in 2016, a term that was originally intended to be his final one.
However, rule changes now count only full terms toward the three‑term limit, allowing him to run again. He was re‑elected unopposed in 2019 and again in 2023, with no formal vote required each time because no other candidates emerged. His popularity among federations outside Europe has effectively turned his elections into a formality. During his address, Infantino highlighted several financial achievements of FIFA under his stewardship.
He cited a development fund of $2.7 billion (£2 billion) earmarked for the 2027‑2030 cycle—an eight‑fold increase compared with the budget before his tenure. He also projected that revenue for the current 2022‑2026 cycle would exceed $14 billion (£10.3 billion), largely driven by the upcoming World Cup. Ticket sales have been a focal point of criticism, particularly the introduction of dynamic pricing.
Infantino defended the model, noting that 500 million ticket requests have been received for this World Cup, a ten‑fold rise from the combined requests for the last two tournaments. He claimed that FIFA has sold 100 percent of the inventory made available, which represents roughly 90 percent of the global ticket pool, and that both premium and affordable options are on offer. He emphasized that all revenue generated is reinvested into the sport, supporting member associations, funding new competitions, and sustaining the FIFA Forward development programme.
"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. In summary, Trump’s brief endorsement—"let them play"—mirrors Infantino’s broader message of unity through sport, even as geopolitical disputes continue to swirl around the tournament. The 2026 World Cup will not only showcase elite football but also serve as a stage where diplomatic tensions, cultural exchanges, and commercial interests intersect, highlighting both the power and the challenges of hosting a truly global event.