Iran’s World Cup Fate Uncertain As Trump Shrugs Off Concerns

Speaking to Politico on Tuesday, Trump dismissed questions about whether the Iranian national team would compete in the tournament, saying, “I really don’t care.” He described Iran as “a very badly defeated country” that is “running on fumes.”

Uncertainty over Iran’s involvement follows coordinated US and Israeli strikes on Iranian targets and Tehran’s subsequent missile and drone retaliation on American and allied facilities in the Gulf, raising fears of broader regional conflict.

The 2026 tournament, organised by FIFA, will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Questions have emerged over whether Iranian officials and supporters would be granted entry into the US.

Iran has already qualified and is scheduled to face New Zealand national football team, Belgium national football team, and Egypt national football team in the group stage.

However, Iran Football Federation president Mehdi Taj recently suggested the security situation could disrupt preparations.

“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 edition will mark the first World Cup hosted by three nations and is expected to draw millions of fans worldwide.