In a significant development amid escalating geopolitical tensions, FIFA President Gianni Infantino announced early Wednesday that he has received personal assurances from U.S. President Donald Trump that Iran will be welcome to participate in the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup. The tournament, set to kick off in June, has faced growing uncertainty due to recent military confrontations involving Iran, including the assassination of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in American and Israeli attacks, followed by retaliatory strikes across the Middle East.

In an Instagram post published shortly after midnight ET from his official account, Infantino revealed he had met with President Trump to discuss not only the logistical preparations for the World Cup but also the critical issue of Iran’s participation. The Iranian national team has qualified for the tournament and is scheduled to play group-stage matches in Los Angeles and Seattle—both within the United States.

"During the discussions, President Trump reiterated that the Iranian team is, of course, welcome to compete in the tournament in the United States," Infantino stated. "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."

The message was followed by a soccer ball emoji, three globe emojis, and a heart—symbolizing FIFA’s official slogan.

Iran’s presence at the World Cup has been in doubt since its representatives failed to attend a key planning meeting in Atlanta last week involving all competing nations. The absence fueled speculation about whether the country would be allowed entry into the U.S., especially given the hardline rhetoric from some American leaders.

Earlier last week, in an interview with Politico, President Trump had expressed ambivalence, saying, “I really don’t care (if Iran participates). I think Iran is a very badly defeated country. They’re running on fumes.” However, Infantino’s latest communication suggests a shift in tone—or at least an official commitment to uphold FIFA’s principle of political neutrality in sport.

The relationship between Infantino and Trump has deepened over recent years. The FIFA president attended Trump’s pre-inauguration rally in January and the inauguration itself, and has participated in multiple Oval Office briefings during Trump’s second term. In December, during the World Cup draw hosted in Washington, D.C., Infantino awarded Trump a newly established FIFA Peace Prize—an honor created without prior consultation with the FIFA Council. According to a FIFA press release, the prize recognizes individuals who have “taken exceptional and extraordinary actions for peace and by doing so have united people across the world.”

The award came shortly after Trump publicly criticized the Nobel Committee for overlooking him.

U.S. Soccer Federation CEO JT Batson reaffirmed support for inclusive participation, telling Sky News: “FIFA president Gianni Infantino shared over the weekend the intention of a safe and secure World Cup where all teams are participating. And we’re certainly very supportive of that.”

As global attention turns toward the World Cup as a rare platform for unity during turbulent times, Infantino’s diplomatic outreach—and Trump’s apparent endorsement—could play a pivotal role in ensuring the tournament remains a symbol of solidarity rather than division.