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President Donald Trump gave his approval this Thursday for Iran's participation in the 2026 World Cup with a response that was as informal as it was revealing: "If Johnny said it, I agree", referring to FIFA president Gianni Infantino by his nickname, and he spontaneously added: "Do they have a good team? I have no idea. It would be hard to believe, really."
Trump's statements came just hours after Infantino asserted at the FIFA Congress held in Vancouver, Canada: "Of course, Iran will participate in the FIFA World Cup 2026, and of course Iran will play in the United States of America."
When asked what would happen if Iran won, Trump responded humorously: "If they win, we'll have to worry about that. Not... I'm going to have to worry about that." He then described Infantino as "fantastic" and "a friend of mine," and revealed that he had given him a free hand: "I told him: do whatever you want. You can have them. You don't have to have them."
The relaxed tone of Trump contrasts with his positions from previous weeks. In March, he advised Iran not to attend the World Cup “for their own life and safety,” although acknowledging that they would be welcomed.
The controversy surrounding Iran's participation has continued for months. In March 2026, Iran's Minister of Sports, Ahman Donyamali, announced that the national team would not participate, citing the conflict with the United States and Israel as well as the death of Supreme Leader Ali Jamenei, although he never formally announced the withdrawal to FIFA.
In April, Trump’s special envoy, Paolo Zampolli, went so far as to propose replacing Iran with Italy —which did not qualify—, a proposal categorically rejected by the governing body of world football, which clarified that any replacement must come from the same Asian confederation.
Infantino has remained steadfast at all times: "They have to be there. They represent their people. They have qualified. The players want to play."
The Iranian delegation was absent from the FIFA Congress this Thursday in Vancouver due to immigration issues, despite having been invited.
Iran, ranked 21st in the world by FIFA and considered the second power in Asia, is placed in Group G alongside Belgium, Egypt, and New Zealand. Trump's statements come at a time of heightened diplomatic tension: nuclear negotiations between Washington and Tehran are at a critical phase, with proposals and counteroffers regarding Iran's uranium enrichment program.
The 2026 World Cup, which starts on June 11 in the United States, Mexico, and Canada with 48 teams for the first time in history, will see Iran debuting on June 15 against New Zealand at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. If the Persian country were to formally withdraw less than 30 days before the tournament begins, it would face a minimum fine of 250,000 Swiss francs, equivalent to about 323,700 dollars.
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