U.S. President Donald Trump dismissed concerns about Iran possibly boycotting the upcoming FIFA World Cup in an interview with Politico.
“I don’t care about it at all,” Trump said.
According to Trump, Iran is in a weak position.
“I think Iran is a completely defeated country. They are running out of steam,” the president stated.
The men’s FIFA World Cup is scheduled to take place in June in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Iran is supposed to play its group stage matches in the United States, but the country’s participation has become uncertain following a new conflict with the U.S. that began on Saturday.
Iranian Football Federation president Mehdi Taj commented cautiously on the situation, according to the Spanish newspaper Marca.
“After today’s events and the U.S. strike, it is unlikely that we can look toward the World Cup with confidence. However, the decision ultimately belongs to the sports authorities,” Taj said.
Iran’s potential withdrawal has also raised broader questions about whether the World Cup can be safely played in the United States amid the escalating tensions. If the conflict deepens, some countries could consider protests or even a boycott similar to the one being discussed in Iran.
The international football governing body FIFA previously awarded Trump the organization’s Peace Award. Trump became the first person in history to receive the honor.
Iran’s possible absence and the reactions of other countries could still influence the atmosphere in which the World Cup tournament will ultimately be played.
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