In a surprising twist during a White House press briefing, U.S. President Donald Trump shared his candid thoughts on FIFA President Gianni Infantino's confirmation that Iran will compete in the upcoming World Cup on American soil.

When reporters asked about Infantino's announcement at FIFA's Congress in Vancouver, Trump didn't hold back. "If Gianni said it, I am okay. Did Gianni say it? Gianni Infantino – that is a piece of work," the president remarked, as reported by The Mirror US.

The comment comes after weeks of uncertainty surrounding Iran's participation in the tournament. Tensions between the two nations had escalated following February airstrikes that killed Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, prompting Trump to caution Iran's national team about traveling to the U.S.

"Well, if they win we'll have to worry about that, that's not...I'm going to have to worry about that one," Trump continued, before adding, "Look, you know what, let them play well. Gianni's fantastic, he's a friend of mine. He talked about it, I said, 'You do whatever you want. You can have them, you don't have to have them.' Probably have a good team, I don't know. Do they have a good team?"

This marks a notable shift from Trump's earlier stance. In March, he posted on Truth Social: "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."

Iran has been drawn into Group G for this summer's tournament, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. All three of Iran's group stage matches – against Belgium, Egypt, and New Zealand – are scheduled to take place on U.S. soil.

As the World Cup approaches, all eyes will be on how this political backdrop plays out on the pitch. For now, it seems the door is open for Iran to compete, with the president deferring to his "friend" Infantino's judgment on the matter.