The widening conflict between the United States and Iran is beginning to ripple into the world of sport, placing Iran’s place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup in doubt just months before kickoff.

The tournament — hosted jointly by the United States, Canada and Mexico — is scheduled to begin in roughly 100 days, but the escalating war has created uncertainty around whether Iran’s national team will travel and compete. 

Trump Dismisses Concerns

Speaking about the situation, Donald Trump said he was unconcerned about Iran’s participation in the tournament, telling reporters that he “really doesn’t care” if the country’s team appears at the event. 

His comments came as the United States and Israel expanded military operations against Iranian targets, part of a broader regional conflict that has intensified in recent days. 

Iran’s national team, often referred to as Team Melli, already qualified for the World Cup through the Asian qualifying campaign. However, travel restrictions, diplomatic tensions and the possibility of further escalation could complicate their participation in a tournament hosted partly on U.S. soil.