Trump will welcome Iran at World Cup - Infantino

President Donald Trump and Gianni Infantino, pictured at December's World Cup draw, have been in discussions over tournament preparations US 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. Posting on Instagram, Infantino said he met with Trump on Tuesday to discuss preparations for the tournament, which is being hosted by the US, Canada and Mexico and gets under way on 11 June. Infantino said he and Trump "spoke about the current situation in Iran". 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 responded by launching missiles and drones towards Israel and four Gulf Arab countries which host US military bases - Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. "During the discussions, President Trump reiterated that the Iranian team is, of course, welcome to compete in the tournament in the United States," Infantino said. "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." Iran, the US, and a World Cup that starts in three months 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. Trump last week told Politico , external "I really don't care" if Iran play in the World Cup. Following the outbreak of military action, Iran football federation president Mehdi Taj has been quoted as saying: "What is certain is that after these attacks, it's hard to look at the World Cup with hope." Australia has granted six humanitarian visas to members of Iran's women's team over concerns about their safety. The remaining Iran players left Australia on Tuesday after the team's elimination from the AFC Asian Cup. Australia's Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said seven people were granted asylum, but one woman later changed her mind and opted to return home. Mixed messages from Trump leave more questions than answers over war's end 'Wrong person at wrong time' - but if not Tudor then who? 'Doomsday scenario' for Spurs after 'blows' - Van de Ven Germans protest against Russia on Paralympic podium Scot Squad's top cop deals with colleagues, bams and family alike How to manage caring for ageing parents Stacey returns for more life-changing decluttering The accidental origins of the English samurai 'Wrong person at wrong time' - but if not Tudor then who? The Brits travelling in their thousands to 'Costa del Cheltenham' The 'big brother' helping Arteta's Arsenal 'over the line' Fallout from first race since biggest rule changes - F1 Q&A Frozen out? The 'mixed' team event with one female player Four big calls Borthwick could make to revive England Old Firm chaos: What happened? Who said what? What now? Should lower-ranked teams always play at home in the FA Cup? India triumphant again - do the rest have any hope of catching them? Is time-wasting in the Premier League getting worse? 'Everything was groundbreaking' - 50 years since historic Cheltenham race Why is figure skating not in the Paralympics? Winter Paralympics daily guide: Seven golds to be decided on Wednesday 'England's style of play is tedious and doesn't allow players to express themselves' Was new-era F1 really racing or more like a computer game? Russell 'imperious' and Bearman 'raced beautifully' - driver ratings 'I saw a drone hit the US consulate' - Patten's escape from Dubai 'There were tears - but I had to peek behind curtain of head injuries in rugby' Iran, the US, and a World Cup that starts in three months Copyright © 2026 BBC. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.