The Athletic reported on Wednesday, citing Politico, that US President Donald Trump may ban Iran from participating in this summer's World Cup, which is being hosted by his country and their neighbours Canada and Mexico.

According to the report, when asked by reporters on Tuesday (February 4) how he would handle Iran's potential entry into the US for the World Cup this summer, Trump arrogantly said, "I really don't care if Iran participates. I think Iran is a country that has been badly defeated, they are running out of fumes."

His remarks immediately sparked concerns about Iran's situation and raised fears that the country might be unable to send its national team to this biggest international football event due to security concerns.

The report also said that, The Athletic contacted FIFA for a response to Trump's comments, but officials said the situation was too sensitive and that it is inappropriate for FIFA or any football regulatory body around the world to comment at this time.

This undoubtedly puts FIFA in a very awkward position due to Trump's rhetoric and actions regarding the use of force against Iran.

As an organization hoping to promote world peace through football, the international community has consistently hoped that FIFA would adopt the same humanitarian approach it took in dealing with the Russia-Ukraine war. However, journalists believe the current predicament of the authorities is that they have grievances they cannot articulate.

The White House World Cup Task Force officials said that it is not yet entirely certain whether Iran should be banned from participating.

The report also added that, regardless of whether Iran is banned, the 2026 FIFA World Cup in United States, Canada and Mexico has already been destined to become the third consecutive World Cup to be the most criticized, due to factors such as exorbitant ticket prices, Trump's ban on entry for indiviuduals of certain countries, the US-Iran conflict, and the Israeli-Palestinian war.

Iran has already qualified for the World Cup and plans to play in Los Angeles and Seattle, but the US-Israel military attacks that killed Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and his family, and triggered the escalation of the Middle East conflict, have cast doubt on Iran's participation.

Image source: Internet / The Athletic / Politico