Trump Confirms Iran for 2026 World Cup as Ukraine Eyes Semi-Final Berth

Iran's National Team to Compete in 2026 World Cup

According to Главком: FIFA President Gianni Infantino has announced that Donald Trump has confirmed the participation of Iran's national team in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The tournament will be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19. Infantino noted that during a meeting with the US President, they discussed preparations for the event and the current situation in Iran.

In these times, we all need an event like the World Cup to bring people together. I sincerely thank the US President for his support, as it demonstrates that football unites the world. Gianni Infantino

The 2026 World Cup promises to be a compelling event, with the teams in Group G already confirmed as:

• Belgium
• Egypt
• Iran
• New Zealand

Meanwhile, Ukraine's national team is actively battling to qualify for the tournament. In the semi-final of the 2026 World Cup qualification play-offs, Ukraine will face Sweden on March 26, 2026. A victory over Sweden would grant Ukraine a chance to compete in the play-off final against the winner of the Poland vs. Albania match.

Qualifying matches are already underway, with a significant result being Ukraine's 2:0 victory over Iceland. Zubkov scored in the 83rd minute, with Hutsuliak adding another in the 90+3rd minute. With this momentum and strong fan support, the Ukrainian squad hopes for continued success in the World Cup qualifiers.

Iran's participation underscores the role of sport as a tool for diplomacy and unity, particularly amid ongoing global tensions. Ukraine's positive trajectory in the qualifiers provides a welcome source of national pride and optimism for its supporters. The upcoming qualifying matches will be decisive in determining the final lineup of teams competing for the prestigious trophy on the world stage.