Trump Unconcerned About Iran's Potential Absence from 2026 FIFA World Cup Amid Tensions

Washington D.C. -- Ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026, jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, US President Donald Trump has commented on the potential participation of Iran.

Amid escalating tensions due to military strikes by the US and Israel on Iran, and Iran's subsequent counter-attacks in Gulf nations, Trump clarified that he is unconcerned about Iran's presence.

In an interview with Politico, Trump stated that whether Iran participates in the World Cup or not makes no difference to him. He described Iran as a country that has already been soundly defeated and claimed that Iran is currently in a very weak state.

Iran did not withdraw from the World Cup even when the US bombed three of its nuclear facilities last year. However, due to the current serious security crisis and military tension, Iran itself has expressed uncertainty about playing in the World Cup.

Mehdi Taj, President of the Iranian Football Federation, told local television that the current situation does not allow for optimism regarding the World Cup. He informed that the country's sports officials will soon make the necessary decision on this matter.

Iran has qualified for the World Cup for the fourth consecutive time and is scheduled to play New Zealand, Belgium, and Egypt in the group stage in Los Angeles and Seattle.

Meanwhile, FIFA has stated that its main objective is to organize a safe World Cup with the participation of all countries. FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström emphasized on Saturday the importance of creating a sporting environment with everyone's participation.