White House official clarifies Donald Trump's stance on Iran's World Cup spot

White House official clarifies Donald Trump's stance on Iran's World Cup spotFIFA President Gianni Infantino has spoken out on Iran’s place at this summer’s World Cup over the past few days and one of Donald Trump’s advisors has now offered an updateCommentsSportDaniel Orme Sports Writer13:53, 17 Apr 2026View 2 ImagesDonald Trump sent a message to the Iran national team earlier this year(Image: Getty Images)A White House official says he ‘expects’ Iran to travel to the World Cup after assurances from the FIFA president. The nation’s spot at this summer’s tournament has been in doubt since their conflict with the USA and Israel broke out.‌President Donald Trump gave an update earlier this year and while he said he would welcome Iran, he would advise them not to travel over fears about their safety.‌He said: “The Iran national soccer team is welcome to the World Cup, but I really don’t believe it is appropriate that they be there, for their own life and safety.”‌And with FIFA president Gianni Infantino having offered an update over recent days, executive director of the White House FIFA World Cup task force, Andrew Giuliani, has also spoken out.Speaking in Politico, he said: “I’m not going to speak for the Iranian team, but I will say that the president, when I’ve talked to him, has invited the Iranian team here.READ MORE: England superfan tragically dies just weeks before dream World Cup tripREAD MORE: FIFA hit out at $100 New York train ticket decision for World Cup with strong statementJOIN US ON FACEBOOK! Latest news, analysis and much more on Mirror Football's Facebook page‌“The president of FIFA made a statement, I think, yesterday, that they’re going to be coming. So we expect them here. We expect them to be in Tucson at the beginning of June, and then playing in LA and Seattle.”Iran are due to take on Puerto Rico in the USA in a pre-tournament friendly and Giuliani believes that game will go ahead as planned. Giuliani added: “I had heard that as...