US President Donald Trump would «welcome» Iran’s participation in the upcoming World Cup in North America despite the ongoing war in the Middle East, the White House said on Wednesday.
The war, sparked by US-Israeli attacks on February 28, has thrown into doubt Iran’s participation in this summer’s men’s World Cup, jointly hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States.
The US government confirmed an Instagram post by FIFA chief Gianni Infantino earlier in the day.
Infantino wrote that during a meeting to discuss preparations for the competition, President Trump reiterated that the Iranian team is of course welcome to participate in the tournament in the United States.
READ ALSO: Iran cannot participate in 2026 FIFA World Cup – Sports Minister Donyamali rdt7.
The comments marked the first time that Infantino, who created a FIFA peace prize in December and awarded it to Trump, acknowledged the ongoing war in the Middle East.
Trump’s comments to Infantino are in stark contrast to his comments last week when he told Politico, «I really don’t care» if Iran plays in the World Cup.
The US president’s change of position came as Iranian officials suggested they might not show up after US and Israeli attacks, including the assassination of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
“Given that this corrupt government killed our leader, there is no way we have the conditions to attend the World Cup,” Ahmad Donyamali, the Minister of Sports and Youth, told state TV on Tuesday.
«They forced two wars on us in eight or nine months and killed and tortured several thousand of our people. Therefore, we have absolutely no opportunity to attend.»
Published on March 11, 2026
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