US President Donald Trump has said he is unconcerned about whether Iran participate in this summer’s 2026 World Cup, as tensions escalate following US and Israeli strikes on Iran.
The United States is co-hosting the tournament, scheduled from June 11 to July 19, alongside Canada and Mexico. Trump made the remarks in an interview with Politico, saying, “I really don’t care,” when asked about Iran’s involvement. He added that Iran was “a very badly defeated country” and “running on fumes.”
Iran have secured qualification for a fourth straight World Cup and are set 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 competition after the US bombed three of its nuclear facilities. However, amid the current heightened conflict, Iran Football Federation president Mehdi Taj has reportedly raised concerns about participation.
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Speaking to Iranian state television, Taj said it was “far from our expectations that we can look at the World Cup with hope,” adding that sports authorities would determine whether any action should be taken.
FIFA Secretary-General Mattias Grafstrom said on Saturday that the governing body’s priority remains ensuring a safe tournament with full participation.
#From BBC