Iran’s place in World Cup 2026 in doubt amid conflict, Trump’s dismissal

Iran's participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the US, Mexico, and Canada, is in doubt due to ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The tournament is scheduled to begin in less than 100 days, with Iran among the 48 nations expected to participate. Recent attacks on Iran by the US and Israel, and Iran's retaliatory actions, have led to uncertainty. US President Donald Trump has stated he doesn't care if Iran participates. The president of Iran's football federation has expressed doubt about looking forward to the World Cup with hope, and FIFA officials have been noncommittal.

Donald Trump stated he doesn't care if Iran participates in the 2026 World Cup, jointly hosted by the US, Mexico, and Canada, amid escalating tensions between the US/Israel and Iran. Iran was absent from a recent FIFA planning summit, raising concerns about their participation. The president of Iran’s football federation expressed worry about the impact of the attacks on the World Cup. Iran has qualified for the tournament and is scheduled to play in the US in Group G. Security concerns and Trump's existing travel ban on Iran could further complicate the situation, particularly regarding visa exceptions for Iranian officials and team sponsors. While the travel ban exempts World Cup teams, individual visa decisions are made by the State Department.