Donald Trump Dismisses 2026 FIFA World Cup Concerns Over Iran Participation

United States President Donald Trump has downplayed concerns surrounding Iran’s potential involvement in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, stating he “really doesn’t care” whether the nation takes part amid escalating geopolitical tensions between Washington and Tehran.

The expanded tournament, co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada, is scheduled to begin this summer. Iran are due to open their Group G campaign in June with a fixture against New Zealand in Los Angeles.

Iran Federation Raises Doubts

However, Mehdi Taj, president of the Iran Football Federation, has publicly cast doubt over the team’s participation. Speaking to sports outlet Varzesh3 on Sunday, Taj suggested that the recent escalation in hostilities — including military strikes — has significantly diminished optimism within the country’s football community.

“What is certain is that after this attack, we cannot be expected to look forward to the World Cup with hope,” Taj said.
“The US regime has attacked our homeland, and this is an incident that will not go unanswered.”

His remarks have intensified uncertainty over whether the Iranian national side will ultimately travel to North America for the tournament.

Trump’s Blunt Response

When questioned about Taj’s comments, Trump delivered a characteristically direct response.

“I really don’t care,” he told Politico. “I think Iran is a very badly defeated country. They’re running on fumes.”

Earlier, Trump had indicated that Iranian players, coaching staff and their families would be granted exemptions from the United States travel ban in order to participate in the competition. However, with tensions continuing to escalate in the Middle East, it remains unclear whether such exemptions will remain in place as the tournament approaches.

There is also the possibility of a politically charged encounter should both nations advance to the knockout stages. If Iran and the United States were to finish second in their respective groups, they could meet in a last-16 tie scheduled to be played in Dallas.

Symbolic Gesture from Iran Women’s Team

While uncertainty clouds the men’s team’s future at the World Cup, Iran’s women’s national side made headlines during the opening match of the Women’s Asian Cup.

Ahead of their fixture against South Korea at Cbus Super Stadium on the Gold Coast, the Iranian players declined to sing their national anthem. Standing in formation, they remained composed and largely motionless as the anthem played, drawing a mixed reaction from sections of the crowd.

Following South Korea’s 3–0 victory, however, spectators applauded the Iranian players, acknowledging both their performance and the symbolic nature of the moment.

As political tensions continue to influence sporting narratives, the situation surrounding Iran’s participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup remains fluid, with significant diplomatic and logistical considerations still to be resolved.