US President Donald Trump has said he “does not care” if Iran plays at the 2026 World Cup, as tensions in the Middle East escalate.
Over the past five days, Israel and the US have launched strikes on Iranian targets, with Tehran retaliating against US-allied states in the Gulf. The conflict casts uncertainty over Iran’s participation in the summer tournament co-hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico.
Iran, qualified for its fourth consecutive World Cup, could boycott the event. When asked, Trump told Politico: “I really don’t care. I think Iran is a very badly defeated country. They’re running on fumes.”
If Iran withdraws, Iraq and the UAE stand to benefit. Iraq could secure a spot by winning an intercontinental play-off against Bolivia or Suriname on March 31 in Monterrey, Mexico. Should Iraq qualify, the UAE would likely inherit Iran’s group-stage spot.
Iranian FA chief Mehdi Taj recently warned: “It is far from our expectations that we can look at the World Cup with hope.” He added that the final decision rests with the country’s sports authorities.
FIFA general secretary Mattias Grafstrom acknowledged the uncertainty, saying: “It is premature to comment in detail, but we will monitor developments… Our focus is to have a safe World Cup with everybody participating.”
Iran is scheduled to face New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles before their final group game against Egypt in Seattle.
Trump, no stranger to football events, is expected to take a prominent role, having been honored with the inaugural “FIFA Peace Prize” during last December’s World Cup draw in Washington, DC.
