FIFA Officially Confirms Iran's World Cup Participation — Congress Decision Due April 30

FIFA President Gianni Infantino publicly confirmed on April 1 that Iran will participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Infantino had attended Iran's 5-0 friendly win over Costa Rica in Antalya, Turkey on March 31 and afterward stated: 'Iran will be at the World Cup. We are very happy because they are a very strong team.' Iran Football Federation VP Mehdi Mohammad Nabi affirmed Iran would comply with FIFA rules and participate regardless of host country. The confirmation came despite Iran's Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali declaring that Iran 'under no circumstances' could participate, citing the US killing of Supreme Leader Khamenei as part of ongoing US-Iran military operations. The contradiction between Iran's government and FIFA reflects the deep political tension. FIFA's next formal decision point is the FIFA Congress in Vancouver on April 30. Iran's Group G fixtures remain at US venues: vs New Zealand (Los Angeles, June 15), vs Belgium (Los Angeles, June 21), vs Egypt (Seattle, June 26). A US World Cup athlete exemption applies to Iranian nationals.