Trump shrugs off Iran’s 2026 World Cup participation concerns

United States President Donald Trump has said he is unconcerned about whether Iran participates in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, amid rising tensions in the Middle East and security concerns surrounding the tournament.

In an interview with Politico on Tuesday, Trump stated bluntly: “I really don’t care,” when asked about Iran’s potential involvement.

“I think Iran is a very badly defeated country. They’re running on fumes,” he added, referring to the aftermath of recent U.S.–Israeli strikes on Iranian targets and Iran’s retaliatory missile and drone attacks in the Gulf region.

The remarks come as questions mount over whether Iranian officials, players, and supporters will be allowed entry into the United States, one of the three host nations for the 2026 World Cup, alongside Canada and Mexico.

Iran had previously qualified for the tournament and is scheduled to face New Zealand, Belgium, and Egypt during the group stage. However, the nation’s football federation president, Mehdi Taj, recently suggested the ongoing security situation could impact Iran’s participation.

“What is certain is that after this attack, we cannot be expected to look forward to the World Cup with hope,” Taj told Iranian sports outlet Varzesh3.

The 2026 World Cup will be the first ever hosted by three countries and is expected to draw millions of fans from across the globe. FIFA has maintained that politics should remain separate from the tournament