Khaberni - U.S. President Donald Trump downplayed the significance of the Iranian national team's participation in the 2026 World Cup finals, scheduled to take place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico next summer, stating in press statements that he "doesn't care" whether they attend or not.
When asked whether Iran can play in the World Cup after the attacks launched by the United States and Israel, and the retaliatory missile strikes, President Trump told the American digital newspaper "Politico": "I really don't care. I think Iran is a very defeated country. They are gasping their last breaths."
Iran was the only country absent from the planning summit held by the International Federation of Football Associations (FIFA) for World Cup participants this week in Atlanta, increasing doubts that the football team will compete on American soil this summer. FIFA members held a crisis meeting regarding the potential fallout from military strikes on the World Cup.
Matthias Grafström, FIFA's Secretary-General, speaking at an International Football Association Board (IFAB) meeting near Cardiff on Saturday, said: "We held a meeting today and will monitor developments concerning all issues around the world. Our focus is on hosting a safe World Cup with the participation of all teams."
Iran is supposed to play against Belgium and New Zealand in Los Angeles, then against Egypt in Seattle.
If Iran decides to withdraw, FIFA will choose an alternate team. Its regulations stipulate that: "If any participating member association withdraws and/or is excluded from the 2026 World Cup, FIFA will decide on the matter at its own discretion."
