London [UK], March 12: United States President Donald Trump has assured FIFA that Iran are "welcome" to compete at this summer's World Cup, according to Gianni Infantino.
The team's participation at the finals has been cast into doubt after the US and Israel launched air strikes on Iran on February 28.The conflict has now drawn in other Middle East nations, with Iran retaliating by striking US military bases in the region.
Trump said earlier this month he "really didn't care" if Iran played at the World Cup, but FIFA president Infantino insists Trump is supportive of the team being involved after a meeting between the two men.
"This evening, I met with the President of the United States, Donald J. Trump to discuss the status of preparations for the upcoming FIFA World Cup, and the growing excitement as we are set to kick off in just 93 days," Infantino wrote on Instagram.
"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. During the discussions, President Trump reiterated that the Iranian team is, of course, welcome to compete in the tournament in the United States.
"We all need an event like the FIFA World Cup to bring people together now more than ever, and I sincerely thank the President of the United States for his support, as it shows once again that Football Unites the World."
Iran are due to play all three of their group games in the US, and could even face the co-hosts in the round of 32 if both teams finish second in their respective groups.
Sports minister rules out Iran participation at
World Cup in US
Meanwhile, Iranian sports minister Ahmad Donyamali has ruled out that the men's national team will play at the World Cup in summer in the United States owing to the ongoing war.
"Since this corrupt government assassinated our leader, we have no conditions under which we can participate in the World Cup," Donyamali said in a television interview.
"In view of the malicious measures taken against Iran, two wars were forced upon us within eight or nine months, and several thousand of our people were killed.
"Therefore, we definitely have no possibility of participating in this way."
It is not clear whether the decision is final.
Iran qualified for the June 11-July 18 World Cup in the US, Mexico and Canada. They are due to play their three group matches against Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand in US cities, the first two matches in Inglewood, California, and the third in Seattle.
Iran Football Federation president Mehdi Taj has also hinted at a boycott after events around the women's team at the Asian Cup in Australia.
Six players decided to stay in Australia after being given humanitarian visas by the government there.
"What sensible person would send their national team to the United States if the World Cup were to be as political as it was in Australia?" Taj said.
Source: Qatar Tribune
