Let Them Play": President Trump Backs FIFA Chief on Iran’s U.S. World Cup Matches

In a significant diplomatic de-escalation, President Trump has officially voiced his support for allowing the Iranian National Team to compete in the 2026 FIFA World Cup on American soil. Speaking from the Oval Office on Thursday, April 30, 2026, the President signaled a major shift from his previous rhetoric, following a definitive confirmation from FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

Decision brings clarity to one of the most contentious sports-politics intersections of the decade, coming just weeks after military tensions in the Middle East had cast doubt on Iran’s participation.

Oval Office Response: When asked by reporters about the FIFA chief's insistence that Iran participate, President Trump adopted a surprisingly cooperative tone:

"Well, if Gianni said it, I'm OK," Trump stated. "I think let 'em play. Gianni’s fantastic. He’s a friend of mine... I said, 'You do whatever you want.'

President even added a characteristic quip about the team's competitiveness: "Probably have a good team. Are they really a good team? I'm not sure, actually."

Infantino’s "Unity" Mandate: President’s comments followed a powerful address by Gianni Infantino at the 76th FIFA Congress in Vancouver. Infantino reaffirmed that all three of Iran’s group-stage matches would remain in the United States as originally scheduled, rejecting a proposal to move them to Mexico.

• Mission: Infantino argued that football has a unique responsibility to "unite the world" during times of global division.
• Schedule: Iran (Group G) is set to play all their matches on the U.S. West Coast:
• June 15: vs. New Zealand (Los Angeles)
• June 21: vs. Belgium (Los Angeles)
• June 26: vs. Egypt (Seattle)

A Notable Policy Shift: This "OK" from the White House marks a departure from March 2026, when President Trump suggested it might be "inappropriate" for the Iranian team to travel to the U.S. for their "own life and safety." The administration had also previously entertained—though later distanced itself from—a suggestion to replace Iran with Italy in the tournament.

Previous Stance (March 2026)	Current Stance (May 2026)
Suggested participation was "inappropriate" due to safety.	Voiced approval: "If Gianni said so, I don't mind."
Weighed replacing Iran with Italy.	Clarified no formal objection to Iran playing.
Warned of security risks for the team.	Deferred to FIFA’s decision-making.

Lingering Security Factor: While the team is welcome, the U.S. government has clarified that security screenings will remain stringent. Individuals with direct ties to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)—which is designated as a terrorist entity—will not be granted entry visas. This was evidenced this week when a top Iranian soccer official, Mehdi Taj, had his Canadian visa revoked for such ties, preventing him from attending the FIFA Congress.

With the tournament kickoff on June 11 just weeks away, the focus now shifts from the Oval Office to the pitch in Los Angeles, where "Team Melli" will look to prove they belong among the world's elite.