US President Donald Trump has stated he does not care whether Iran participates in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, as uncertainty grows over the country’s involvement due to escalating regional conflict.
In an interview with Politico on Tuesday, Trump described Iran as a “very badly defeated country” and said he is unconcerned about the nation’s presence at the tournament, which is being co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico from 11 June to 19 July.
Iran qualified for their fourth consecutive World Cup and are set to play group matches against New Zealand, Belgium and Egypt in US cities including Los Angeles and Seattle.
However, Tehran’s absence from a recent FIFA planning summit in Atlanta has fuelled speculation about whether the team will compete on American soil.
The country has been engaged in ongoing exchanges of strikes with US and Israeli forces, raising logistical and political concerns about travel and participation.
Mehdi Taj, president of Iran’s football federation, told Iranian media that recent military actions have made it difficult for the country to look toward the World Cup with optimism, suggesting that officials are evaluating Iran’s options.
FIFA general secretary Mattias Grafstrom has emphasised the organisation’s desire to ensure a safe tournament with all qualified teams present, but the situation remains fluid as the conflict intensifies.
Trump’s remarks come at a time of heightened geopolitical uncertainty, and they underline the potential intersection of global politics and international sport less than four months before the World Cup kicks off.
