The Asian Cup has been in focus here in Australia due to the participation of the Iranian women’s team and the threats to their welfare after they refused to sing the Iranian anthem before their first game.
More news now from the world game. Gianni Infantino, president of FIFA, the sport’s governing body, says he has met with US President Donald Trump ahead of the 2026 men’s World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the US, Mexico and Canada from June 11 to July 19.
“President Trump reiterated that the Iranian team is, of course, welcome to compete in the tournament in the United States,” Infantino said in a post on his official social media account. “We all need an event like the FIFA World Cup to bring people together now more than ever, and I sincerely thank the president of the United States for his support, as it shows once again that football unites the world.”
Iran secured qualification by topping Group A in the third round of Asian qualifying last year. The Iranians are with Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand in Group G. Their matches are scheduled to take place in Los Angeles and Seattle. If both the US and Iran finish second in their groups, they could meet in a July 3 elimination match in Dallas.
Infantino, right, presented Trump with the inaugural FIFA Peace Price during the World Cup draw back in December.AP