WASHINGTON, March 11 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump has said that Iran's national team will be welcome to compete in the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, according to FIFA president Gianni Infantino.
Infantino said on social media that he met Trump on Tuesday evening to discuss preparations for the upcoming World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico from June to July.
"This evening, I met with the President of the United States, Donald Trump to discuss the status of preparations for the upcoming FIFA World Cup, and the growing excitement as we are set to kick off in just 93 days," Infantino wrote.
He added that the two also discussed the current situation in Iran and the fact that the Iranian team has already qualified for the tournament.
"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 FIFA World Cup to bring people together now more than ever."
Tensions in the Middle East have escalated after military strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran, raising uncertainty over Iran's participation in the tournament.
Mehdi Taj, president of Iran's Football Federation, had said last week that Iran could not be optimistic about participating in the World Cup under the current circumstances.
According to the draw, Iran is placed in Group G alongside Belgium, New Zealand and Egypt, with all three of its group-stage matches scheduled to be played in the United States. ■
