Hours after the FIFA president, Gianni Infantino, reinforced Iran’s participation in the 2026 World Cup, Donald Trump also spoke on the matter. Although the President of the United States had endorsed the official, he dismissed the Iranian team.
“If Gianni said that (Iran will play in the World Cup), that’s fine with me,” Trump said, who was questioned shortly afterwards about the possibility of the Iranian team winning the tournament. “I’m going to have to worry about that. You know what? Let them play. I told Gianni that he can do whatever he wants.”
Subsequently, the U.S. president raised doubts about the quality of the Iranian squad. “They can win. They probably have a good team. Do they have it? Do you have any idea? It would be hard to believe that, actually. What I think: let them play.”
The remarks by Infantino had been made at FIFA’s 76th Annual Congress, in Vancouver, Canada. “Of course Iran will play in the United States. And the reason is very simple: we need to come together and connect with people. FIFA unites the world. We should always remember to be positive,” Infantino said, in a speech advocating peace, but without the presence of representatives from the Middle Eastern country among the 211 delegations.
The World Cup group draw placed Iran in Group G, alongside New Zealand — their opener on June 15 — Belgium (they face each other on the 21st) and Egypt, the opponent in the final round on the 27th. All of Iran’s matches will be played on American soil, with the first two in Inglewood, California, and the third in Seattle.
