Let them play – Donald Trump gives blessing for Iran to compete at World Cup

United States president Donald Trump has given his blessing to Iran competing on his country’s soil during this summer’s World Cup, stating: “Let them play.”

Iran’s participation in the finals has been uncertain since the US and Israel launched air strikes on the country on February 28.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has repeatedly insisted Iran would play as scheduled, with all three of their group games taking place in the US, and confirmed again at FIFA’s Congress on Thursday that this would be the case.

Trump was asked about Infantino’s comments in a media briefing later on Thursday, and said: “Well if Gianni said it, I’m OK.

“Did Gianni say it? Gianni Infantino – that’s a piece of work.”

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.

In his own opening remarks, FIFA President Gianni Infantino highlighted football’s unique power to build bridges in a divided world as all 48 Participating Member Associations get ready to shine at this year's FIFA World Cup and convey a powerful message of unity.… pic.twitter.com/0iXwKJylHD

— FIFA Media (@fifamedia) April 30, 2026

Trump replied: “It would be hard to believe actually. But let them play, right?”

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