Rabat – US president Donald Trump said Tuesday that he does not care if Iran takes part in the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted this coming summer in the United States, Canada, and Mexico
Iran has already qualified and is scheduled to play matches in Los Angeles and Seattle. But its participation is uncertain after recent US and Israeli military strikes killed Iranian leader Ali Khamenei and escalated conflict in the Middle East.
The escalating security situation has raised questions about whether Iran will send its team or if the US government could block entry.
Asked about the issue in an interview with Politico, Trump said, “I really don’t care [if Iran participates]. I think Iran is a very badly defeated country. They’re running on fumes.”
The US president’s comments contrast with FIFA’s message that all teams and fans will be welcome at the tournament. FIFA General Secretary Mattias Grafstrom said over the weekend that the body’s focus remains on a safe World Cup “with everybody participating.”
The White House did not expand on Trump’s remarks, but officials pointed to statements from Andrew Giuliani, director of the White House’s World Cup task force, who claimed the ongoing strikes on Iran are necessary to preserve global peace and stability.
Iranian football officials have not publicly addressed such hostile comments from top-ranking US officials. FIFA has also declined to comment on Trump’s remarks, though internal sources insisted that no changes have been made to Iran’s participation in the upcoming World Cup.
Iranian representatives, however, were absent from a World Cup planning meeting in Atlanta this week, reportedly due to internet disruptions and instability at home.
Calls to Keep Politics Out of Sport
Some U.S. voices have urged separating politics from sport. Congressman Darin LaHood, co-chair of the congressional soccer caucus, said Iran’s players “deserve to be in the World Cup” after qualifying through a tough group.
He added that the team would be safe if they came, stressing that athletes should not be punished for the actions of their governments.
US Soccer Federation CEO J.T. Batson also expressed support for Iran’s participation, saying the federation backs FIFA’s goal of a secure tournament with all qualified teams. “We’ve played Iran before in the World Cup,” Batson said. “Like any other team, our goal is to win.”
If Iran ultimately cannot or chooses not to compete, FIFA regulations allow the governing body to invite a replacement team or adjust the format. For now, FIFA organizers continue to plan with Iran included.
