IRan has been going through a difficult period amid attacks from the United States, which have intensified with the involvement of several European countries following the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.
The situation has prompted Iran’s sports minister to reconsider the country’s participation in the FIFA World Cup, which will be held on North American soil. Mexico, Canada and the United States are set to host a tournament aimed at celebrating global unity through the game of soccer.
However, due to the military conflict affecting the Persian region, they were ultimately forced to withdraw from the sporting event, despite having earned a spot in the stadium during the qualifying process.
Gianni Infantino meets with Donald Trump
Last Tuesday, March 10, 2026, FIFA President Gianni Infantino and Donald Trump met to analyze the unfolding crisis in the Middle East and discuss Iran’s possible participation in the tournament.
They were scheduled to play against Iran.
New Zealand will play in Los Angeles on June 15th, Belgium at the same venue on June 21st and conclude the group stage against Egypt in Seattle on June 26th.
Following the attacks on Iranian territory, the president of the country’s football federation has raised serious doubts about whether the team will be able to participate in world competitions.
One thing is certain: after this attack, we cannot expect to go into the World Cup with any hope.
Mehdi Taj told Iranian state television.
Infantino has remained largely silent about the conflict involving Iran and the countries bombing its territory, particularly the United States and Israel. However, the issue was directly raised in his meeting with President Trump.
This evening, I spoke with President Donald J. Trump of the United States to discuss preparations for the upcoming FIFA World Cup and the growing excitement surrounding its opening in 93 days. ”… “We also talked about the current situation in Iran and the fact that the Iranian team has qualified to participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. During the discussion, President Trump reiterated that he welcomes the Iranian team to participate in the World Cup as a matter of course and the tournament in America. “We all need events like the FIFA World Cup that bring people together now more than ever. We are truly grateful for the support of the President of the United States, as it shows once again that soccer brings the world together.”
Infantino said on Instagram. It’s also worth remembering President Trump’s previous comments to Politico regarding Iran’s participation in the World Cup.
I really don’t care.
Criticism has also been leveled at FIFA’s president, particularly for awarding Trump what many have described as a fabricated peace prize. The gesture was controversial across international football, with some questioning the appropriateness of honoring a political leader amid rising global tensions and an ongoing military action affecting one of the qualifying national teams.
