US President Donald Trump is not overly concerned about the Iranian Football Federation’s final decision regarding participation in the 2026 World Cup.
The United States, along with Canada and Mexico, is set to host the tournament, which is scheduled to begin next June, just months after the US-Israeli airstrikes on Iran.
Previously, the US decided to grant visas only to the Iranian national team players, coaching staff, and some family members.
Now, Iran has raised the possibility of withdrawing from the 2026 World Cup due to the recent war.
When asked about his stance on Iran’s potential withdrawal, Trump replied, “I don’t really care. I think they’re a very battered country, on the verge of collapse.”
Iran was the only country absent from the FIFA planning summit for World Cup participants this week in Atlanta, further fueling speculation about an imminent withdrawal announcement.
If Iran announces its withdrawal, Iraq may qualify directly for the World Cup, with the UAE playing in the play-offs instead of the Lions of Mesopotamia and a representative from the Asian continent.
