The World Cup kicks off in June, with all three of Iran’s initial group stage matches scheduled to take place in the US – some have called for the country be removed from the tournamentRachel Vickers-Price UK and World News Reporter, Felix Keith Senior Sports Reporter and Jamie Gardner, PA Chief Sports Reporter
01:39, 01 May 2026Updated 07:13, 01 May 2026
Donald Trump had previously said it would not be “appropriate” for the Iranians to compete in the US-based tournament(Image: AP)
US President Donald Trump has given his blessing to allow Iran to compete on American soil in this summer’s World Cup, stating grandly: “Let them play.” . The tournament kicks off on June 11 and all three of Iran’s group stage matches are scheduled to take place inside the US as the conflict in the Middle East rages on.
Iran qualified for the 48-team tournament and are scheduled to play in Group G against New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles and against Egypt in Seattle. Since the conflict between Iran and Israel and the US began in late February, there have been calls for changes to the World Cup.
Donald Trump had previously said it would not be “appropriate” for the Iranians to compete “for their own life and safety”, while it was also suggested that their fixtures be moved from the west coast of the US to Mexico. One of Trump’s envoys then said Iran should be replaced by Italy, who have not qualified for the tournament.
READ MORE: Gianni Infantino makes final decision on Iran at the World Cup after official denied entryREAD MORE: Gary Lineker fires fresh dig at BBC over World Cup plans ahead of £14m Netflix show
FIFA president Infantino has remained undeterred throughout, insisting the World Cup will be a “total party” despite simmering geopolitical tensions. Speaking on Thursday (April 30) the at the 2026 FIFA Congress in Vancouver, he reassured those present that everything would go off without a hitch.
Hours after Infantino spoke at the 2026 football conference, reporters took his words to Trump to ask the US President what he thought about the comments made by the FIFA boss.
Trump told the gathered press: “Well if Gianni said it, I’m OK. Did Gianni say it? Gianni Infantino – that’s a piece of work.”
Asked what would happen if Iran won, Trump replied: “If they win we’ll have to worry about that. I’m going to have to worry about that one.
In December 2025, FIFA president Gianni Infantino (R) awarded US president Donald Trump (L) with the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize at the 2026 World Cup draw in Washington DC
“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’. 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 posed the initial question said he had no idea. Trump replied: “It would be hard to believe, actually. But let them play, right?”
Earlier in the day in Canada, Infantino opened his president’s address to FIFA Congress saying: “Of course, Iran will be participating at the FIFA World Cup 2026.
“We want Iran to play, and Iran will play at the World Cup. There is no plan B, C or D – there is only plan A. Iran represent their people – both those living in Iran and those living abroad,” he said last month after flying to Turkey to watch Iran play Costa Rica in a friendly.
Iran also threatened to boycott the 2026 World Cup due to safety concerns(Image: (Photo by Gao Meng/VCG via Getty Images))
He continued: “Iran will be at the FIFA World Cup, and we’re excited because they’re a very, very strong team, in my opinion, right now. So, I’m very happy. I’ve seen the team, I’ve spoken to the players and the coach. So, everything’s fine. We’re delighted because they are a very, very strong team. I’m very happy.”
“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.”
His speech came hours after Iranian Football Federation president Mehdi Taj was denied entry into Canada, reportedly due to his affiliation with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Iran were therefore the only nation not represented at the 76th annual FIFA Congress, just 42 days out from kick off.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada spokesperson Matthew Krupov said, while the Great White North may be proud to play host to the World Cup and FIFA, it will not capitulate on its refusal to permit officials from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to enter Canada.
Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran President Mehdi Taj has been denied entry into Canada(Image: Harold Cunningham – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
He said: “As with all Games-related events, visa applications are assessed on a case-by-case basis by trained officers. While we cannot comment on individual cases due to privacy laws, the government has been clear and consistent: IRGC officials are inadmissible to Canada and have no place in our country.
“We have taken strong action to hold the IRGC to account and will continue to do so, while protecting the safety of Canadians and upholding the integrity of our immigration system.”
Canada officially designated the IRGC as a terrorist entity in 2024, enshrining its status in the nation’s Criminal Code. So, on Thursday, when FIFA conducted its roll call in Vancouver, Iran was noted down as “absent”.
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