‘Let them play’: Trump backs Iran’s participation in FIFA World Cup

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump has backed Iran’s participation in the upcoming FIFA World Cup, saying “let them play” despite earlier uncertainty following the US and Israel's joint strikes on the country.

Iran’s place in the tournament, set to be hosted in the United States, had come under scrutiny after the February 28 strikes raised concerns over safety and diplomatic tensions. However, global football authorities have maintained that Iran will compete as scheduled.

Trump and Gianni Infantino spoke about Iran's participation 

Speaking about the situation, Trump signaled support for Iran’s inclusion, deferring to FIFA leadership while expressing a relaxed stance.

"Well, if Gianni said it, I’m ok," the POTUS said, referring to FIFA president Gianni Infantino.

Asked further, he added, “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.'”

Trump also responded to a hypothetical scenario of Iran advancing in the tournament, saying, “If they win, we’ll have to worry about that. I’m going to have to worry about that one.”

FIFA confirms Iran spot

Infantino had earlier reiterated at FIFA’s Congress that Iran would participate in the tournament, emphasizing unity through sport.

“Let me start at the outset by confirming straight away, for those who maybe want to say something else or write something else, that of course Iran will be participating at the FIFA World Cup,” he said.

“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,” the FIFA president added. 

Iran is scheduled to begin its campaign against New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15, with all its group-stage matches set to take place in the US.

If both teams finish second in their respective groups, Iran could face the US in the knockout stage in Dallas, adding further intrigue to an already politically charged backdrop.

Trump had previously raised concerns about Iran’s participation, calling it “inappropriate” in the context of ongoing tensions. His latest remarks, however, suggest a shift toward allowing sporting competition to proceed.

Visa issue at FIFA Congress

Iran was notably the only FIFA member nation not represented by federation officials at the Congress in Vancouver. Reports indicated that while two delegates were granted visas by Canadian authorities, they ultimately did not attend after another member of their group was denied entry.

Canadian officials said visa applications are assessed individually and reiterated that members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps are inadmissible to the country under current policies.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to be hosted across the US, Canada, and Mexico, is expected to proceed with Iran included, despite the geopolitical tensions surrounding its participation.