'I really don’t care': Trump on Iran’s participation in World Cup 2026
Donald Trump (photo: Getty Images)
Iran’s national team's participation in the upcoming World Cup has become uncertain amid escalating military conflict. US President Donald Trump responded sharply to the possibility of the Asian team missing the tournament, according to Politico.
White House reaction to potential boycott
Trump expressed complete indifference to whether Iran would take the field in North America in the summer of 2026. According to the US leader, the fate of the Iranian team does not concern him.
He added that, given current events, Iran appears exhausted and weakened, making its sporting representation secondary.
“I really don’t care if Iran participates. I think Iran is a very badly defeated country. They’re running on fumes,” Trump told Politico.
Iranian football leadership stance
Tensions around Team Melli began in late 2025 when Tehran skipped the draw ceremony due to a visa conflict. US authorities denied entry to part of the delegation, including the head of the Iranian Football Federation, Mehdi Tadj.
Currently, Iranian officials openly express doubts about traveling to the US. Tadj confirmed that following the airstrikes on Iranian territory, the team’s participation in World Cup 2026 is now uncertain.
The team’s fate will depend not on sporting results but on decisions from the country’s top political echelon.
Iran at World Cup 2026: opponents and venues
Despite the political crisis, Iran qualified for the tournament for the fourth consecutive time, winning its qualifying group. According to the draw, Iran is placed in Group G:
- Opponents: Belgium, Egypt, New Zealand
- Match cities: Los Angeles and Seattle, all matches in the USA
- Potential matchups: If Iran advances from second place, they could face the USA in the knockout stage
Iran’s absence from the last FIFA summit in Atlanta fueled speculation that the team could withdraw before the tournament begins.
