Donald Trump gives Iran World Cup blessing: ‘If Gianni says so, I’m fine.’

US President Donald Trump has blessed Iran to compete on his country’s soil during this summer’s World Cup, saying, “Let them play.”

Iran’s participation in the final has been uncertain since the US and Israel launched airstrikes on the country on February 28.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has repeatedly insisted that Iran will play as scheduled, with all three of their group games in the US, and reaffirmed at the FIFA Congress on Thursday that this would be the case.

Trump was asked about Infantino’s comments at a media briefing later Thursday, saying, “Well, if Gianni said it, I’m fine.

“Did Gianni say it? Gianni Infantino – it’s a piece of work.”

Asked what would happen if Iran won, Trump replied: “If they win, we’ll have to worry about that.

“You know what, let them play. Gianni’s fantastic; he’s a friend of mine. He talked about it, and I said, ‘Do whatever you want.’ You can take them; you don’t need them. They’ve probably got a good team. Do they have a good team? Do you have any idea?”

The reporter who initially asked the question said he had no idea.

Trump responded: “It’s going to be difficult to believe, actually. But let them play, okay?”

Iran will face the USA in the last 32 in Dallas if both teams finish second in their respective groups.

Trump has previously said it would be “inappropriate” for Iran to play “for its own life and safety.”

Infantino opened his presidential address to Congress in Vancouver: “I confirm at the outset, for those who might want to say something else or write something else, Iran will certainly participate in the FIFA World Cup 2026.

“And of course, Iran will play in America. The reason is simple: we have to unite. We have to bring people together.”

Iran will open their campaign against New Zealand on June 15 in Los Angeles.

Iran was the only one of FIFA’s 211 member nations without federation officials in Vancouver.

The Press Association understands that two delegates were granted visas by Canadian authorities to attend but chose not to after another member of their group was denied entry to Toronto.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) spokesperson Matthew Krupowicz released a statement regarding the incident.

“Canada is proud to host the FIFA World Cup and is working to facilitate a safe and successful event,” he said.

As with all Games-related events, trained officers assess visa applications on a case-by-case basis.

“While we cannot comment on individual cases due to privacy laws, the government has been clear and consistent: IRGC (Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps) personnel are unacceptable to Canada and have no place in our country.

“We have taken strong action to hold the IRGC to account and will continue to do so while protecting the safety of Canadians and maintaining the integrity of our immigration system.”