I don’t care if they play – Trump on Iran’s World Cup exit

Former US President Donald Trump has said he does not care whether Iran takes part in this summer’s World Cup

The comment comes as conflict in the Middle East escalates, with the United States and Israel conducting strikes in Iran starting Saturday, prompting tensions across the region.

Iran has qualified for the World Cup finals, set to be held in the US, Canada, and Mexico in June and July, marking their fourth consecutive appearance. However, the ongoing conflict now casts doubt over their participation.

In an interview with Politico, Trump said, “I really don’t care. I think Iran is a very badly defeated country. They’re running on fumes.”

Iran is scheduled to play three group-stage matches in the US, opening against New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15.

Meanwhile, the ongoing Fujairah Open tennis tournament in the United Arab Emirates, part of the ATP Challenger Tour, was cancelled on Tuesday. The event had continued despite drone strikes from Iran but was halted after a nearby oil terminal was attacked, forcing players to flee the court.