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FIFA Congress
Organisation

FIFA Congress

FIFA's supreme legislative body, meeting annually; 76th session in Vancouver on 30 April 2026.

Last refreshed: 28 April 2026 · Appears in 2 active topics

Key Question

FIFA's 211 nations meet in Vancouver on 30 April: what will they do about Iran?

Timeline for FIFA Congress

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Background

The FIFA Congress meets on 30 April 2026 in Vancouver — two days after Murkowski missed her AUMF Deadline and one day before the WPR clock expires. Iran's football federation status remains unresolved: FIFA's governance rules require member associations to be free from government interference, and Iran's wartime state creates a direct test case. The 211-nation Congress will consider whether a country conducting active military operations, under US sanctions, and with an internet blackout preventing normal federation operations can maintain full FIFA membership without special conditions.

Common Questions
Will Iran play in the 2026 World Cup or withdraw before the FIFA Congress?
The FIFA Congress is world football's supreme legislative body, meeting annually since 1904. All 211 FIFA member associations each have one vote.Source: background
When is the FIFA Congress in 2026?
30 April 2026, in Vancouver, Canada — approximately six weeks before the World Cup begins.Source: FIFA
Will FIFA Congress decide on Iran's World Cup participation?
The Congress is effectively the Deadline: as of 7 April, Iran had received no formal FIFA response to its relocation request. If unresolved by 30 April, FIFA's replacement mechanism activates.Source: media / FIFA
How does FIFA Congress voting work?
Each of FIFA's 211 member associations has one vote, regardless of The Nation's size or footballing stature. Smaller nations collectively hold the majority.Source: FIFA statutes
What will FIFA Congress decide about Iran in April 2026?
The 76th FIFA Congress meets on 30 April 2026 in Vancouver with Iran's membership status unresolved. FIFA's rules prohibit government interference in member associations; Iran's wartime conditions create a direct test case for the 211-nation assembly.Source: Lowdown
What is FIFA Congress?
The FIFA Congress is the supreme decision-making body of world football, comprising all 211 FIFA member associations. It meets annually and has final authority on FIFA statutes, budget, and membership decisions.