Trump Says He ‘Doesn’t Care’ If Iran Plays At 2026 World Cup Amid Rising Tensions

According to Ireporter Online, United States President Donald Trump has stated he “does not care” whether Iran participates in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, amid escalating tensions in the Middle East. The tournament, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, is scheduled to take place from 11 June to 19 July. Iran had already secured qualification for the event prior to the recent rise in regional hostilities.

When questioned about Iran’s participation, Trump remarked, “I really don’t care. I think Iran is a very badly defeated country. They’re running on fumes.” His comments follow a series of US and Israeli strikes on Iranian targets, and subsequent retaliatory actions by Tehran against US-aligned states in the Gulf. These developments have heightened concerns about the stability of international events.

Iran is slated to open its World Cup campaign in Los Angeles against New Zealand and Belgium, before concluding the group stage against Egypt in Seattle. Last year, the nation did not withdraw from the tournament after US airstrikes on its nuclear facilities. However, the recent escalation has raised new doubts in Tehran.

Mehdi Taj, head of the Iranian Football Federation, expressed reservations about participation on Iranian television, stating it is “far from our expectations that we can look at the World Cup with hope.” He noted that Iran’s sports authorities would decide on any necessary course of action.

FIFA has yet to issue an official statement, though Secretary-General Mattias Grafstrom emphasized that the organization’s priority remains ensuring a safe tournament with full participation.