US President Donald Trump told reporters on Thursday that he does not mind Iran participating in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico between June and July.

Trump said in the Oval Office when asked about comments made by the FIFA president on the matter: “If Gianni Infantino said that, I do not mind.”

He added: “I think we should let them play.”

This came after Infantino reiterated that Iran will take part in the 2026 World Cup and will play its matches in the United States during his speech at the FIFA Congress held in Vancouver.

U.S. President Donald Trump. (AFP)

Infantino said at the beginning of his speech to the delegates: “Let me start from the beginning, confirming immediately and clearly that Iran will of course participate in the 2026 World Cup,” adding: “And of course, Iran will play in the United States,” which is co-hosting the tournament with Canada and Mexico.

The Iranian delegation canceled its participation in the FIFA Congress on Wednesday, justifying the decision by what it described as “humiliating behavior” from immigration police upon arrival at Toronto airport, according to Iranian media.

Iran’s participation in this year’s edition of the tournament has been surrounded by uncertainty since the outbreak of war in the Middle East in February following strikes carried out by the United States and Israel.

Iranian officials had previously raised the idea of moving Team Melli’s group stage matches from the United States to Mexico, but Infantino rejected the proposal earlier.

In a further development last week, reports said that the US special envoy Paolo Zampoli proposed the idea of Italy replacing Iran in the World Cup.

However, the US government later quickly distanced itself from the proposal, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio saying that Iranian football players would be welcome.

According to the official schedule, Iran is set to play its three Group G matches on US soil: in Los Angeles against New Zealand on June 15, against Belgium on June 21, and in Seattle against Egypt on June 26.

The national team is expected to base itself during the tournament in Tucson, Arizona.