U.S. President Donald Trump has dismissed concerns regarding Iran’s participation in this summer’s 2026 World Cup, stating he “does not care” if the team competes despite escalating military tensions.
“I think Iran is a very badly defeated country. They’re running on fumes,” Trump told Politico.
His comments come as the U.S. and Israel continue strikes on Iran, sparking retaliatory attacks against U.S.-allied Gulf states.
The tournament, co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, is set to begin on June 11. While Iran is scheduled to play group-stage matches in Los Angeles and Seattle, their participation is now in doubt.
Mehdi Taj, head of Iran’s football federation, told state media it is “far from our expectations” to participate under current conditions.
FIFA, which awarded Trump a “Peace Prize” at the tournament draw in December, said its primary focus remains on a “safe World Cup with everybody participating.”
Iran is currently slated to open their campaign against New Zealand and Belgium.
