I really don’t care’ – Donald Trump offers dismissive view of Iran’s World Cup hopes as FIFA meeting takes place without country

I really don’t care’ – Donald Trump offers dismissive view of Iran’s World Cup hopes as FIFA meeting takes place without country

The build-up to the 2026 World Cup has been hit by a major geopolitical storm as United States president Donald Trump admitted he is indifferent to whether Iran participates in the upcoming tournament. Despite being the first nation to secure qualification for the showpiece event, Iran were the notable absentees from a high-profile FIFA planning meeting held in Atlanta this week. The silence from the Iranian camp has sparked intense speculation regarding their involvement in the tournament, which is set to be hosted across the United States, Mexico and Canada this summer.

Military conflict casts shadow over Los Angeles fixtures

The sporting world is now grappling with the reality of a tournament host being in active military conflict with a qualified participant. Iran are currently slated to face New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles before moving to Seattle to take on Egypt. However, those fixtures are now in serious jeopardy after U.S. and Israeli airstrikes inside Iranian territory prompted a stern response from football officials in Tehran. There is even the prospect of a knockout-stage clash between the U.S. and Iran in Dallas on July 3, a match that would now carry unprecedented political weight.

The Iranian football hierarchy has already expressed grave doubts about their ability to focus on the beautiful game while the nation is under fire. Following the recent strikes, the head of the country’s football federation suggested that the mood for a sporting celebration has evaporated. “What is certain is that after this attack, we cannot be expected to look forward to the World Cup with hope,” Iranian soccer federation President Mehdi Taj told the Iranian sports outlet Varzesh3 following the strikes.