2026 World Cup: ‘They’re running on fumes’ – Trump dismisses Iran’s participation

US President, Donald Trump has said he does not care at all whether Iran can participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Recall that Iran was the first country to secure a spot in the 2026 World Cup tournament.

But the West Asian nation was the only country absent from the FIFA participating countries preparatory meeting held in Atlanta this week.

Iran’s absence has raised widespread questions amid the escalating regional conflicts, whether Tehran will send a team to the World Cup held in the United States this summer, and also, whether the US government will issue entry permits to relevant Iranian officials.

“I really don’t care, [if Iran participates],” Trump told POLITICO on Tuesday.

“I think Iran is a very badly defeated country. They’re running on fumes.”