US President Donald Trump has said he is unconcerned about whether Iran take part in this summer’s 2026 World Cup, as tensions escalate following US and Israeli strikes on Iran, reports BBC.
The United States will co-host the tournament from June 11 to July 19 alongside Canada and Mexico. In an interview with Politico, Trump responded “I really don’t care” when asked about Iran’s involvement, describing the country as “a very badly defeated country” that was “running on fumes.”
Iran have qualified for a fourth consecutive World Cup and are scheduled to begin their campaign in Los Angeles against New Zealand and Belgium, before concluding their group-stage fixtures against Egypt in Seattle.
Tehran did not withdraw from last year’s tournament after the US bombed three of its nuclear facilities. However, amid renewed hostilities, concerns have reportedly emerged within Iranian football authorities over participation in the upcoming event.
President of the Iran Football Federation, Mehdi Taj, told Iranian state television that it was “far from our expectations that we can look at the World Cup with hope,” adding that sports officials would assess whether any action should be taken.
Meanwhile, FIFA Secretary-General Mattias Grafstrom said on Saturday that the governing body’s priority remains ensuring a safe and inclusive tournament with full participation from qualified teams.
The 2026 edition will mark the first World Cup to be jointly hosted by three nations and expanded to 48 teams, heightening both its global profile and logistical complexity amid a tense geopolitical climate.
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
