US President Donald Trump has stated that he is “not concerned” whether Iran will participate in the upcoming FIFA World Cup, scheduled to begin in June. His remarks come amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, as the United States and Israel have carried out strikes against Iranian targets, prompting retaliatory attacks by Iran against US allied countries in the Gulf region. The geopolitical crisis has raised questions over Iran’s ability to compete safely in the international tournament.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will take place across the United States, Canada, and Mexico from 11 June to 19 July. With the tournament just three months away, Trump told Politico, “I really don’t care whether Iran gets to play! I think Iran is a defeated country. They have been almost completely weakened.”
Despite the escalating tensions, Iran has qualified for the World Cup for the fourth consecutive time. Placed in Group G, Iran is scheduled to play its first match against New Zealand in California on 15 June. They will face Belgium at the same venue on 21 June, and conclude the group stage with a match against Egypt in Seattle on 26 June.
Last year, following US airstrikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities, Iran did not withdraw from competition. However, given the current escalation, Mehdi Taj, President of the Iranian Football Federation, has expressed doubt over Iran’s participation. In an interview with sports portal Varzesh 3, Taj stated, “After these attacks, it is impossible to expect us to be optimistic about the World Cup. The United States has struck our homeland, and this cannot go unanswered.”
On Iranian state television, Taj further commented, “After the US attacks, the likelihood of us being able to focus on the World Cup is low. Those involved in sports will make decisions accordingly.”
FIFA Secretary-General Mattias Grafström, speaking on Saturday, stressed the organisation’s commitment to safety, stating, “Our goal is to ensure a safe World Cup in which all qualified teams can participate.”
Iran’s Group G Fixtures – 2026 World Cup
| Date | Venue | Opponent | Match Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 June 2026 | California | New Zealand | Group Stage |
| 21 June 2026 | California | Belgium | Group Stage |
| 26 June 2026 | Seattle | Egypt | Group Stage |
The situation places Iran in a complex position, balancing the desire to compete on the global stage with serious security concerns at home. FIFA has emphasised that all measures will be taken to guarantee a safe and fair tournament, highlighting the growing intersection of politics and sport in today’s world.