Donald Trump blasts 13 World Cup nations after allies reject Iran operation

March 21, 2026 Oliver Obel

US President Donald Trump has criticised several countries set to take part in the 2026 World Cup after they declined to support Washington’s military action against Iran.

In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump singled out a number of US allies including NATO members and key partners in Asia-Pacific — accusing them of refusing to back the operation.

The comments come as the United States prepares to co-host the 2026 World Cup alongside Canada and Mexico, with the tournament scheduled for June and July.

The criticism follows weeks of escalating tensions in the Middle East after a US-Israel military campaign targeting Iran. The conflict has disrupted regional airspace and affected travel across parts of the region, with knock-on effects reported for international teams, including Iraq’s preparations for a World Cup play-off in Mexico.

Several US allies have publicly distanced themselves from the conflict.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Britain would take “necessary action to defend ourselves and our allies” but would “not be drawn into the wider war.”

Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez described the strikes as “illegal,” adding: “We are not going to respond to one illegal act with another. Violence begets more violence.”

French President Emmanuel Macron said the attacks were “outside international law,” while Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni stated that Italy “is not taking part and does not intend to take part.”

https://twitter.com/Keir_Starmer/status/2033570850587197664

In his response, Trump criticised countries linked both to NATO and the upcoming tournament, including Canada, Belgium, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain and the United Kingdom, as well as Japan, South Korea and Australia.

“The United States has been informed by most of our NATO ‘Allies’ that they don't want to get involved with our Military Operation against the Terrorist Regime of Iran,” Trump wrote.

He added that he was “not surprised” by their stance, claiming he had long viewed NATO as “a one way street.”

Trump also said the US had significantly weakened Iran’s military capabilities and suggested that American forces did not require allied support.

The dispute highlights growing divisions between Washington and its partners at a time when global attention is beginning to turn toward the 2026 World Cup.

Source: SportsBible, Truth Social, X