POTUS Donald Trump Says He ‘Really’ Does Not ‘Care’ if Iran Plays in 2026 FIFA World Cup Amid Unrest

The ongoing tensions in the Middle East have become a major talking point in soccer over the last few days. With the United States currently engaged in a regional war with Iran, the latter’s 2026 FIFA World Cup participation is said to be doubtful.

Now, U.S. President Donald Trump has shared his thoughts on Iran’s potential participation.

POTUS Opines on Iran Playing in the 2026 FIFA World Cup

Since past Saturday, the United States and Israel have been involved in a conflict with Iran following the pair’s airstrikes on the latter. Iran has since responded by launching strikes on U.S.-allied targets, including 2026 FIFA World Cup-competing nations, in the region.

Queried to opine on if Iran will send its team to his country, Trump replied to POLITICO, “I really don’t care. I think Iran is a very badly defeated country. They’re running on fumes.”

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On the other hand, Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran (FFIRI) President Mehdi Taj has recently stated his nation might not play in this year’s FIFA World Cup. “What is certain is that after this attack, we can’t be expected to look forward to the World Cup with hope,” Taj told Iranian sports outlet Varzesh3 following the recent attacks on his country.

Amid unrest, Iran is unlikely to play in the prestigious soccer tournament, set to be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico from Jun. 11 to Jul. 19. Iran was drawn into Group G of the upcoming competition alongside Belgium, Egypt, and New Zealand.

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Meanwhile, White House FIFA World Cup Task Force Director Andrew Giuliani has supported the assassination of Ali Hosseini Khamenei, Iran’s former supreme leader. He told POLITICO this Tuesday, Mar. 3, “President Trump’s decisive action to eliminate the Ayatollah, the most notorious state sponsor of terrorism in my lifetime, removes a major destabilizing threat. It will help protect people around the world, including Americans and the millions planning to attend the 2026 World Cup in the United States (and Canada and Mexico).”

If Iran decides to withdraw from the quadrennial tournament, FIFA is expected to select an alternative Asian team to compete. Iraq will play in one of the FIFA Intercontinental Playoffs against either Bolivia or Suriname. In case Iraq loses, it will be selected as a replacement for Iran. However, if it wins the playoff, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will be chosen.