US President Donald Trump has bluntly dismissed the possibility of Iran participating in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, stating that “Iran will not be coming” to the tournament hosted partly on American soil.
In a late-night interview with Fox News on March 4, Trump said:
“Iran is not coming to the World Cup. They’re not welcome. After what they’ve done and what’s happening right now, they’re not coming. It’s very simple.”
This marks the strongest statement yet from any US official regarding Iran’s potential involvement in the 2026 tournament amid ongoing military conflict between the two nations.
Full Context: Iran’s Withdrawal Threat
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Iran had already issued a conditional threat to withdraw from the World Cup after US airstrikes on Iranian targets and the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei last week. The Iranian Football Federation stated that participation was “no longer possible” while the country remains under attack and in a 40-day mourning period.
Trump’s comments appear to close the door on any possibility of Iran competing, even if the federation wanted to find a way to participate.
FIFA’s Position
FIFA has so far remained cautious. In an earlier statement, Secretary General Mattias Grafström said the organization is “monitoring developments closely” and is in contact with the Iranian FA. However, sources inside FIFA say the governing body is now preparing for Iran’s official withdrawal.
If Iran is officially out, FIFA will replace them in Group G with either Uzbekistan or Iraq (both already on standby).
What This Means for the Tournament
- Group G Impact: The group (currently Iran, Belgium, Egypt, and New Zealand) will likely be reduced to three teams.
- Schedule: Iran’s matches in Los Angeles and Seattle will be canceled or reassigned.
- Ticket Holders: Fans who bought tickets for Iran’s games will be offered full refunds or exchanges.
- Security Concerns: Trump’s statement also signals that the US will not issue visas or provide security guarantees for the Iranian team or fans.
Global Reactions
- Iranian FA: “Trump’s statement confirms what we already knew — the United States does not want fair play.”
- Belgium FA: “We hope for peace, but football must continue.”
- FIFA: No new comment yet, but an emergency meeting is scheduled for tomorrow.
With only 98 days left until the tournament begins on June 11, 2026, the situation is moving extremely fast. Many experts now believe Iran’s withdrawal is almost certain.
This is a rapidly developing story. We will update you the moment FIFA or Iran makes the next official move.
