By Prof Dr Ian Blackshaw
The FIFA World Cup 2026, which features a record 104 matches in 16 cities across Canada, Mexico, and the US, takes place from 11 June – 19 July.
According to Gianni Infantino, the President of FIFA, US President Donald Trump has stated that Iran is welcome to participate in the event despite the countries being at war.
Infantino stated that he met with Trump on 10 March 2026 and "spoke about the current situation in Iran".
Iran is scheduled to play three matches in the US, but the participation of the country has been in doubt since the US and Israel launched strikes on Iran this month, in whichthe Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed.
Infantino commented that:
"We all need an event like the Fifa World Cup to bring people together now more than ever, and I sincerely thank the president of the United States for his support, as it shows once again that football unites the world."
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