Infantino says Trump assured him Iran are welcome at World Cup
FIFA has confirmed that Irans national football team is expected to participate in the upcoming World Cup in the United States, despite ongoing geopolitical tensions between the two nations. The tournament, which is set to commence in approximately three months, will see Iran play New Zealand in Inglewood, California, on 15 June, followed by a match against Belgium on 21 June. Their group stage concludes with a fixture against Egypt in Seattle on 26 June. The United States is co-hosting the tournament with Canada and Mexico, which runs from 11 June to 19 July.Concerns had recently been raised by Iranian officials, who suggested that the countrys involvement in the competition was uncertain due to the prevailing conflict.However, FIFAPresidentGianni Infantino met with PresidentDonald Trump on Tuesday night to discuss the tournaments preparations. Infantino stated that he received assurances regarding Irans entry. "We also spoke about the current situation in Iran, and the fact that the Iranian team has qualified to participate in the FIFA World Cup 2026," Infantino said. Gianni Infantino said on Tuesday that he met with US President Donald Trump to discuss preparations for the upcoming tournament (PA Wire)He added: "During the discussions, President Trump reiterated that the Iranian team is, of course, welcome to compete in the tournament in the United States."Infantino has a close relationship with Trump, who was given FIFA's inaugural peace prize an award that many believe the soccer governing body created with Trump in mind.Fans from Iran were already banned from entering the US in the first iteration of the travel ban announced by the Trump administration.We all need an event like the FIFA World Cup to bring people together now more than ever, Infantino said, adding that he thanks Trump for his support.Earlier this week, FIFAs World Cup chief operating officer said the tournament is too big to be postponed because of global turmoil caused by the US and Israeli war against Iran.The CEO, Heimo Schirgi, said FIFA continues to closely monitor the Iran war.We basically take it day by day and at some stage we will have a resolution, Schirgi said. And the World Cup will go on obviously, right? The World Cup is too big and we hope that everyone can participate that has qualified.Iran are due to face New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles on 15 and 21 June and Egypt in Seattle on 26 June (AFP via Getty Images)It comes days after Irans football team cast doubt on the national teams participation in the tournament.According to multiple outlets, Iran football federation president Mehdi Taj told sports news portal Varzesh3 in early March: What is certain is that after these attacks, its hard to look at the World Cup with hope.Australia confirmed it had granted six humanitarian visas to members of Irans womens national team over concerns about their safety.The remaining Iran players left Australia on Tuesday, after their teams elimination from the AFC Asian Cup.Australias home affairs minister Tony Burke confirmed seven people had been offered asylum, but one woman later changed her mind and opted to return home.
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