Melania Trump, Donald Trump, Gianni Infantino (foto: Getty Images)
FIFA president Gianni Infantino said Iran will be allowed to compete at the World Cup after receiving assurances from US President Donald Trump despite rising geopolitical tensions.
The escalating conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel has created serious uncertainty around the participation of the Iran national team in the upcoming FIFA World Cup.
The tournament, hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, will begin on June 11 and run for more than a month, with the final scheduled for July 19 at MetLife Stadium.
Iran successfully qualified for the competition, but the geopolitical situation now raises questions about whether the team will be able to travel and compete in the tournament.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino addressed the issue after meeting with US President Donald Trump, who reportedly assured him that the Iranian team would be allowed to participate.
"I met with US President Donald Trump to discuss preparations for the World Cup. We also discussed the situation in Iran and the fact that the Iranian national team has qualified," said Infantino.
"The president confirmed that Iran will be allowed to compete. Events like the World Cup are important because they bring people together. I appreciate the president’s support because football connects people."
The situation places FIFA in a delicate position. Although the organization controls football competitions, decisions involving international travel, sanctions, or diplomatic restrictions remain under the authority of national governments.
That reality limits the influence of Infantino in matters connected to international politics.
If tensions continue to escalate, logistical and security challenges could complicate the participation of the Iran national team, even though the country already secured its place on the pitch.
The upcoming tournament will mark the first World Cup jointly hosted by three nations. The opening match will take place at the historic Azteca Stadium in Mexico City, where Mexico will face South Africa.
The final will be played in the United States at MetLife Stadium, which is expected to host one of the largest sporting events in global football.
For now, the participation of Iran remains officially confirmed, but the evolving geopolitical situation continues to cast a shadow over one of the most anticipated tournaments in world sport.