US President Donald Trump is indifferent about whether Iran competes in the 2026 World Cup, calling the team heavily defeated and on the verge of collapse.
On 4 Mar 2026, with 100 days remaining before the kickoff of the 2026 World Cup co-hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico, the event faces major political turmoil due to full-scale conflict in the Middle East and escalating violence in Mexico.
Tensions peaked following the military operation against Iran by the US and Israel on 28 Feb 2026, prompting Mehdi Taj, president of the Iran Football Federation, to acknowledge that although no official withdrawal has been announced, Iran’s participation in the tournament is highly uncertain.
Recently, US President Donald Trump candidly stated in an interview with POLITICO that he “really doesn’t care” whether Iran will take part in the tournament or not.
“I don’t care if Iran plays in the World Cup. I think Iran is a country that has been thoroughly defeated. They are completely frail,” he said.
Besides the war-related issues, document obstacles are also severe. Although athletes are theoretically exempted, many team members and officials have been denied visas in practice.
Iran national team's group stage match schedule.
15 June: Iran vs. New Zealand at Los Angeles Stadium.
21 June: Belgium vs. Iran at Los Angeles Stadium.
26 June: Egypt vs. Iran at Seattle Stadium.
Previously, the US State Department denied visas to several Iranian representatives before the World Cup draw ceremony in Washington, nearly causing a full team boycott, requiring FIFA to mediate.
The White House World Cup task force, led by Andrew Giuliani, affirmed that "security" is the highest priority and noted that the current political climate prevents the usual border openings.