The United States will co-host the tournament with Canada and Mexico from 11 June to 19 July 2026.

Speaking to Politico, Trump dismissed concerns about Iran’s presence at the competition, saying: “I really don’t care. I think Iran is a very badly defeated country. They’re running on fumes.”

The BBC has contacted FIFA for comment.

Iran has already qualified for its fourth consecutive World Cup and is scheduled to begin its campaign in Los Angeles against New Zealand and Belgium before playing its final group-stage match against Egypt in Seattle.

Despite US strikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities last summer, Iran did not withdraw from the tournament. However, the country’s football federation has now raised doubts about its participation due to the latest escalation.

Iranian Football Federation president Mehdi Taj told Iranian television that it was “far from our expectations that we can look at the World Cup with hope,” adding that sports officials would determine whether any action should be taken.

FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström said the organization’s priority remains ensuring a safe tournament with all qualified teams participating.