Donald Trump ‘really does not care’ if Iran play at World Cup 2026

Guardian Sport

by Reuters

March 4, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Donald Trump has expressed indifference about whether Iran will participate in the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The US president told *Politico* that he believes Iran is a "very badly defeated country" and is merely "running on fumes." This sentiment comes amid escalating tensions as the US and Israel have initiated attacks on Iranian targets, marking a significant escalation in the Middle East conflict. Iran’s absence from the recent FIFA planning summit in Atlanta has raised concerns about their participation. The country was notably excluded from discussions regarding World Cup logistics and preparations, a decision that could have serious implications for their team's involvement. This development has deepened questions about whether Iran will compete on US soil during the tournament, given the deteriorating diplomatic relations and ongoing hostilities. The situation highlights the intersection of politics and sports, where international conflicts can overshadow athletic competition. For sports enthusiasts, this underscores how geopolitical tensions can impact global sporting events, affecting not only athletes but also broader diplomatic efforts. The exclusion of Iran

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Originally published on Guardian Sport on 3/4/2026