FIFA announced on Tuesday night that it expects Iran’s national soccer team to be permitted to enter the United States to compete in the World Cup, despite the ongoing war between the two nations. The tournament is set to start on June 11 and run through July 19, 2026, and is being co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
Iran's national team is scheduled to play three group-stage matches: the first against New Zealand on June 15 in Inglewood, California, followed by a match against Belgium on June 21, and concluding group play against Egypt on June 26 in Seattle. There have been concerns voiced by Iranian officials regarding the country's participation in the tournament due to the war, which raised questions about safety and logistical issues.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino stated that he met with President Donald Trump on Tuesday night to discuss the World Cup's preparations, during which he received assurances that the Iranian team would be allowed entry into the United States. Infantino highlighted the importance of the event, saying, “We also spoke about the current situation in Iran, and the fact that the Iranian team has qualified to participate in the FIFA World Cup 2026.” He reported that Trump emphasized that the Iranian team is welcome to compete in the tournament.
Infantino's relationship with Trump has been noted as close, highlighted by Trump's receipt of FIFA’s inaugural peace prize, an award perceived by many as created in part due to his influence. Despite this, Iranian fans have faced difficulties, as they were banned from entering the U.S. under the initial version of the travel ban introduced by the Trump administration.
Infantino remarked on the necessity of global events like the FIFA World Cup, stating, “We all need an event like the FIFA World Cup to bring people together now more than ever.” He expressed appreciation for Trump’s support regarding the matter.
Earlier in the week, FIFA’s World Cup chief operating officer, Heimo Schirgi, noted that the tournament is “too big” to be postponed despite the turmoil caused by the ongoing war involving the U.S. and Israel against Iran. Schirgi assured that FIFA is closely monitoring the situation in Iran, stating, “We basically take it day by day and at some stage we will have a resolution. And the World Cup will go on obviously, right? The World Cup is too big and we hope that everyone can participate that has qualified.”
This ongoing dialogue underscores the challenges that international sporting events face amidst geopolitical tensions, as organizers strive to ensure participation and safety for all teams involved.
