Uncertainty surrounding Iran's participation in this summer's World Cup on United States soil has been clarified after United States President Donald Trump gave his approval, stating, "Let them play."
Background of the Controversy
Iran's place in the finals had been in doubt following air strikes launched by the US and Israel against the country on February 28. FIFA president Gianni Infantino had consistently maintained Iran would compete as scheduled, with all three group matches taking place in the US, a position he reiterated at FIFA's Congress on Thursday.
Trump's Response
Asked about Infantino's remarks later that day, Mr Trump responded: "Well if Gianni said it, I'm OK." He added, "Did Gianni say it? Gianni Infantino – that's a piece of work."
When asked what would happen if Iran won, Trump replied: "If they win we'll have to worry about that. I'm going to have to worry about that one. 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, they probably have a good team. Do they have a good team, do you have any idea?"
The reporter who posed the initial question said he had no idea. Trump replied: "It would be hard to believe actually. But let them play, right?"
Potential Matchups and Previous Statements
Iran would face the US in the last 32 in Dallas if both teams finished second in their respective groups. Trump has previously said it would be "inappropriate" for Iran to play "for their own life and safety."
Infantino's Assurance
Infantino opened his president's address at Congress in Vancouver: "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 2026. 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."
Iran's World Cup Schedule
Iran will kick off their campaign against New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15.
Delegate Visa Issues
Iran were the only one of FIFA's 211 member nations not represented by federation officials in Vancouver. The Press Association understands two delegates were granted visas by the Canadian authorities to attend, but chose not to after another member of their group was denied entry in Toronto.
Matthew Krupovich, a spokesperson for Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued a statement in relation to the incident. "Canada is proud to host the FIFA World Cup and is working to facilitate a safe and successful event," he said. "As with all Games-related events, visa applications are assessed on a case-by-case basis by trained officers. While we cannot comment on individual cases due to privacy laws, the government has been clear and consistent: IRGC (Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps) officials are inadmissible to Canada and have no place in our country. We have taken strong action to hold the IRGC to account and will continue to do so, while protecting the safety of Canadians and upholding the integrity of our immigration system."
