Trump Unfazed If Iran Skips World Cup After Attacks

President says he "really doesn't care" if Iran withdraws from tournament following U.S.-Israel strikes.

Mar. 4, 2026 at 1:12pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

President Donald Trump has indicated he is unconcerned if Iran's national soccer team decides to withdraw from this summer's World Cup in the aftermath of recent U.S.-Israel military strikes on the country. Trump told Politico he thinks "Iran is a very badly defeated country" and that their participation in the tournament is not a priority for him at the moment.

Why it matters

Iran was the first team to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, set to be hosted across North America. Their potential withdrawal would be a significant development, though Trump appears to view it as a low-stakes issue compared to the broader tensions between the U.S. and Iran.

The details

Following the joint U.S.-Israel air strikes on Iran, the Iranian men's national team's participation in the World Cup is now in doubt. The team's first group stage match is scheduled for June 15 at SoFi Stadium in California. Trump had previously said athletes and staff from countries on the U.S. banned list would receive exemptions to enter the country for the tournament, but the recent attacks could change that.

  • Iran was the first team to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
  • Iran's first group stage match is scheduled for June 15 at SoFi Stadium in California.

The players

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States, who has expressed indifference towards Iran's potential withdrawal from the World Cup.

Iran's national soccer team

The Iranian men's national team, which was the first to qualify for the 2026 World Cup before the recent U.S.-Israel strikes on the country.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I really don't care. I think Iran is a very badly defeated country. They're running on fumes.”

— Donald Trump, Former U.S. President (Politico)

The takeaway

Trump's dismissive attitude towards Iran's potential World Cup withdrawal reflects the broader geopolitical tensions between the U.S. and Iran, with the soccer tournament taking a backseat to more pressing security concerns.