Trump says he “doesn’t care” if Iran plays at 2026 World Cup

March 4, 2026 Oliver Obel

Uncertainty is growing around Iran’s participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a sharp escalation in tensions in the Middle East, but US President Donald Trump said he is unconcerned about whether the team ultimately takes part.

Asked about the issue, Trump told Politico he was indifferent to the debate surrounding Iran’s involvement in the tournament.

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

Iran have qualified for the expanded 2026 World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. The team was drawn into Group G alongside Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand.

However, the country’s place in the tournament has come under renewed scrutiny as geopolitical tensions continue to rise.

Rising tensions

The uncertainty follows a major military escalation involving Iran, Israel and the United States.

Multiple outlets reported that US and Israeli forces launched what was described as a “major combat operation” targeting sites in Iran after negotiations over Tehran’s nuclear programme stalled.

Some early reports also suggested Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, may have been killed during the strikes, although those claims have not been independently confirmed.

Iran later carried out retaliatory attacks against US and Israeli military bases in the region, according to international media reports.

The developments have also affected the atmosphere around the country’s national football team.

Iranian Football Federation president Mehdi Taj said the national side is struggling to look ahead to the tournament amid the turmoil.

“We cannot be expected to look forward to the World Cup with hope,” Taj said in comments reported by several outlets.

FIFA monitoring situation

Football officials have nevertheless expressed hope that all qualified teams will ultimately be able to compete.

US Soccer chief executive JT Batson told Sky News that the World Cup hosts remain supportive of Iran’s participation while FIFA continues to monitor the situation.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino also said he hopes the tournament can serve as a moment of unity despite global tensions.

“I hope so much it will be a moment of peace,” Infantino said. “I hope we can contribute to unite a little bit of the world. I think the world really, really, needs it.”

According to reports, Iran was the only qualified nation absent from a planning meeting for World Cup participants held in Atlanta earlier this week.

Possible replacement

If Iran were to withdraw from the tournament or if FIFA determined the team could not participate the governing body would be responsible for selecting a replacement.

FIFA regulations allow a vacant World Cup place to be filled by a nominated alternate, typically drawn from the same qualification pathway or from among the highest-ranked teams that narrowly missed qualification.

Under Asia’s qualification structure, the United Arab Emirates or Iraq could potentially be considered as replacements. Iraq defeated the UAE to reach the inter-confederation play-offs during the qualifying campaign.

ESPN reported that FIFA could also examine teams eliminated in inter-confederation play-offs outside Asia, though such a decision would be unusual.

FIFA’s tournament rules state the organisation can ultimately decide on the matter “at its sole discretion” and take whatever action it considers necessary.

Sources: Politico, Sky News, ESPN