Trending Now - Iran's Participation in US World Cup Confirmed by FIFA President

WHO:

CNN - FIFA President Gianni Infantino confirmed that Iran will participate in the World Cup "for sure" despite the ongoing war with the United States.

Fox News - New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill

Gothamist - New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill

WHAT:

CNN - Infantino stated, "The Iranian team is coming for sure, yes," emphasizing the importance of their participation and that they represent their people.

Fox News - NJ Transit tickets for World Cup games are expected to be priced at over $100, representing a potential increase of 775% from current prices, which are just under $13.

Fox News - A special FIFA ticket announcement is planned for April 21st, 2026, by New Jersey Transit.

Fox News - NJ Transit tickets from MetLife Stadium to New York Penn Station will cost over $100 on World Cup game days.

Fox News - Sherrill stated that FIFA is providing $0 for transportation to the World Cup, leaving New Jersey Transit with a $48 million bill to transport 40,000 fans to and from each game.

Fox News - FIFA is expected to make $11 billion from the World Cup and is charging fans up to $10,000 for a single ticket for the final.

Gothamist - Sherrill indicated she would approve $100 train tickets if FIFA does not cover transportation costs.

WHERE:

CNN - Iran is scheduled to play two group-stage games in Inglewood, California, and one in Seattle.

Fox News - MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey

Fox News - New York Penn Station, Manhattan, New York

WHEN:

CNN - Infantino met with the Iranian national team in Antalya, Turkey, two weeks prior to his statement on April 12th, 2026.

Fox News - The final match at MetLife Stadium is scheduled for July 19th, 2026.

Fox News - The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority announced $80 tickets from Boston to Gillette Stadium last week.

WHY:

CNN - Infantino expressed that sports should be separate from politics, stating, "Sports should be outside of politics now."

Fox News - Sherrill criticized FIFA for not funding transportation, stating it is unfair to burden New Jersey commuters with the costs.

HOW:

CNN - Infantino acknowledged the challenges of separating sports and politics, saying, "OK we don’t live on the moon, we live on planet Earth."

Fox News - New Jersey lawmakers have proposed a bill that would impose surcharges on certain transactions to support preparations for hosting special events, with a primary sponsorship by Sen. Paul Sarlo, D-N.J.

Fox News - Sherrill plans to propose a bill that would impose a 3% sales tax on retail goods, food and drink, and event tickets in the Meadowlands District during the World Cup dates.

(UPDATED April 16, 2026 07:20 UTC)

FIFA President Gianni Infantino confirmed that Iran will participate in the World Cup "for sure," despite the ongoing war with the United States, emphasizing the importance of their presence as representatives of their people. The Iranian team is set to play two group-stage games in Inglewood, California, and one in Seattle, following Infantino's meeting with them in Antalya, Turkey, two weeks prior to his statement on Sunday. Infantino also highlighted the need to keep sports separate from politics, acknowledging the challenges of doing so while stating, "OK we don’t live on the moon, we live on planet Earth."

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(UPDATED April 16, 2026 04:05 UTC)

New Jersey Transit tickets for World Cup games are expected to soar to over $100, marking a staggering potential increase of 775% from the current price of just under $13. A special FIFA ticket announcement is set for April 21st, as New Jersey lawmakers propose a bill to impose surcharges on certain transactions to help fund preparations for hosting these major events, with the initiative primarily sponsored by Senator Paul Sarlo. This significant price hike and the upcoming announcement have drawn attention as the state gears up for the World Cup festivities.

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(UPDATED April 16, 2026 01:25 UTC)

New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill announced that NJ Transit tickets from MetLife Stadium to New York Penn Station will exceed $100 on World Cup game days, as FIFA is not providing any funding for transportation, leaving the state with a hefty $48 million bill to transport fans. Sherrill criticized FIFA for this decision, especially since the organization is expected to make $11 billion from the event and is charging fans up to $10,000 for final match tickets. To help cover costs, she plans to propose a bill imposing a 3% sales tax on retail goods, food and drink, and event tickets in the Meadowlands District during the World Cup dates.