Trump to Welcome Iran to 2026 FIFA World Cup

By Youssef Bashir

Picture by Jia Haocheng/Reuters

U.S. President Donald Trump has said Iran are "welcome" to take part in this summer's World Cup despite the countries being at war, according to Fifa president Gianni Infantino. 

Iran are scheduled to play three matches in the US, but their participation has been in doubt since the US and Israel launched strikes on the country this month, killing Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iran are due to face New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles on 15 and 21 June respectively and Egypt in Seattle on 26 June.