Trump: 'I really don't care' on Iran's World Cup participation

The build-up to the 2026 World Cup has been hit by a major geopolitical storm as United States president Donald Trump admitted he is indifferent to whether Iran participates in the tournament. Despite being the first nation to secure qualification for the showpiece event, Iran were notable absentees from a high-profile FIFA planning meeting in Atlanta, prompting intense speculation about their involvement.

Military conflict now casts a shadow over fixtures scheduled in Los Angeles and Seattle, with matches against New Zealand, Belgium and Egypt said to be in serious jeopardy after U.S. and Israeli airstrikes inside Iranian territory. There is even the prospect of a knockout-stage clash between the U.S.

and Iran in Dallas on July 3, a match that would carry unprecedented political weight. Iran’s football hierarchy has expressed doubts about focusing on the tournament while the nation is under attack.

United States, Atlanta, Los Angeles, Seattle, Dallas

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