FIFA Confirms Iran's Qualification for 2026 World Cup

FIFA President Gianni Infantino confirmed Thursday that Iran will participate in the 2026 World Cup, with matches scheduled in the United States, amid the ongoing US-Iran war. Multiple sources reported the announcement at the FIFA Congress in Canada, where Infantino affirmed Iran's involvement despite security concerns raised by Iran over a month ago.

President Trump told reporters he is 'OK' with Iran playing in the tournament, set for June and July in North America.

Rajoub refused, and Palestinian FA Vice-President Susan Shalabi later explained to Reuters that Rajoub said he could not shake hands with someone brought to whitewash actions in Gaza. Israel has denied genocide allegations. Infantino addressed the moment by stating the need to work together for children's hope.

>"We will work together, President Rajoub, Vice-President Suliman. Let's work together to give hope to the children. " — FIFA President Gianni Infantino, Thursday (Reuters) Shalabi told Reuters the attempted handshake disregarded Rajoub's speech urging sanctions on Israeli clubs in West Bank settlements.

The Palestinian FA recently appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport against FIFA's decision not to act on the issue. FIFA cited the unresolved legal status of the West Bank as the reason for no sanctions against the Israel Football Association or its clubs.

The FIFA announcement occurred against the backdrop of intensified US-Iran tensions, including a US naval blockade on Iranian ports. President Trump warned the blockade could continue for months, contributing to a surge in global oil prices. Brent crude futures reached $126 per barrel Thursday, the highest since 2022, following a more than 13% increase in 24 hours.

Iran's supreme leader declared the US had suffered a defeat and vowed to protect Iran's nuclear and missile capabilities, rejecting Trump's warnings. The US economy grew in the first quarter despite elevated energy prices from the war, which began February 28.

The Senate rejected a sixth Democratic attempt to limit President Trump's authority in the Iran war, ahead of a 60-day War Powers Act deadline Thursday. Separately, the Senate blocked debate on legislation to end Trump's energy blockade on Cuba without congressional approval, passing 51-47.

High-level negotiations between Washington and Havana are reportedly underway. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth declined to speculate on the Iran war's duration during congressional questioning, where lawmakers also pressed on a $25 billion price tag for Operation Epic Fury and recent military leadership firings.

Cup participation had been in doubt since the US-Israeli war on Iran, according to sources. Protestors called for banning the Iranian team, but FIFA upheld the schedule. In related developments, Iran's supreme leader defiantly rejected US efforts to curtail capabilities through airstrikes and as part of ceasefire talks.

The UAE's exit from OPEC was described by analyst Bachar El-Halabi as not signaling the group's end.