Iran is experiencing difficult times amid the attacks it has received from the United States, which have now escalated with the involvement of several European countries following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
This situation led Iran’s minister of sports to reconsider the country’s participation in the FIFA World Cup that will take place on North American soil. Mexico, Canada, and the United States are set to host the tournament in what was meant to be a celebration of global unity through the game of football.
However, the military conflicts affecting the Persian region placed the nation in a position where it ultimately had no choice but to decline its participation in the sporting event, despite having earned its place on the field of play during the qualification process.
Gianni Infantino meets with Donald Trump
This past Tuesday, March 10, 2026, FIFA president Gianni Infantino and Donald Trump met to analyze the crisis unfolding in the Middle East and discuss Iran’s potential participation in the tournament.
Iran had been scheduled to face
- New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15,
- play Belgium at the same venue on June 21,
- and close out the group stage against Egypt in Seattle on June 26.
As a consequence of the attacks that have struck Iranian territory, the president of the country’s football federation raised serious doubts about the team’s ability to participate in the global tournament.
What is certain is that after this attack, we cannot be expected to look forward to the World Cup with hope.
Mehdi Taj told Iran’s state television.
Infantino had largely remained silent regarding the conflict involving Iran and the countries bombing its territory, particularly the United States and Israel. However, during his meeting with Trump, the subject was addressed directly.
This evening, I met with the President of the United States, Donald J. Trump to discuss the status of preparations for the upcoming FIFA World Cup, and the growing excitement as we are set to kick off in just 93 days.”…”We also spoke about the current situation in Iran, and the fact that the Iranian team has qualified to participate in the FIFA World Cup 2026. During the discussions, President Trump reiterated that the Iranian team is, of course, welcome to compete in the tournament in the United States. “We all need an event like the FIFA World Cup to bring people together now more than ever, and I sincerely thank the President of the United States for his support, as it shows once again that Football Unites the World.
Infantino said on Instagram. It is also worth recalling the remarks Trump previously made to Politico regarding Iran’s participation in the World Cup.
I really don’t care.
Criticism has also been directed toward the FIFA president, particularly for awarding Trump what many have described as an invented peace prize. The gesture sparked controversy across the international football community, where several observers questioned the appropriateness of honoring a political leader amid escalating global tensions and ongoing military actions affecting one of the qualified national teams.
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