United States President Donald Trump said "I'm OK" with Iran playing the World Cup, which will be held in the US, Canada and Mexico in June and July.
Iran will play their three group stage matches in the US amid a conflict between both countries.
"If Gianni (Infantino, FIFA president) said it, I'm OK," Trump told reporters on Thursday at the Oval Office. "You know what? Let them play."
Earlier, Infantino began his address at the FIFA Congress in Vancouver stressing that Iran would play their World Cup games in the US as originally planned.
"Let me start by the outset, confirming straightaway that of course Iran will be participating at the FIFA World Cup 2026. And of course, Iran will play in the United States of America," Infantino said.
Iran's delegation, however, was absent from the 211-member congress after federation officials were reportedly denied entry to Canada.
