Tehran, June 9, 2026: Iran’s Football Federation on Tuesday accused the United States of withdrawing its allocation of tickets for the national team’s FIFA World Cup group-stage matches, alleging that the move would prevent Iranian supporters from attending games during the tournament.
In a statement issued days before the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the federation said US authorities had created a series of obstacles for the Iranian delegation and its supporters amid ongoing political and military tensions between the two countries.
The federation claimed that, under FIFA regulations, participating national associations are entitled to receive a designated share of tickets for distribution among their supporters through official channels. According to Iranian officials, the federation had already begun selling tickets for Iran’s group-stage matches after receiving its allocation and some fans had made travel and accommodation arrangements.
However, the federation alleged that the previously allocated tickets had subsequently been withdrawn.
“With less than three days remaining until the start of the World Cup, the United States has once again acted to obstruct the presence of Iranian supporters at the stadiums hosting the national team’s group-stage matches,” the statement said.
The federation added that it was now unable to provide tickets to Iranian supporters through official channels and described the reported decision as inconsistent with the principles of equality and fair treatment among participating nations.
Iran’s football governing body called on FIFA and tournament organizers to ensure compliance with established regulations and facilitate the attendance of Iranian fans at the competition.
The dispute comes amid broader concerns raised by Tehran regarding its participation in the tournament.
Iranian authorities have previously complained about visa-related difficulties affecting members of the national team’s delegation. According to Iranian officials, several administrative and management staff members were unable to obtain entry visas for the United States.
The tensions have also influenced logistical planning for the tournament. Iranian football authorities recently announced that the team’s training camp would be based in the Mexican border city of Tijuana instead of Tucson, Arizona, which had initially been selected as the team’s pre-tournament base.
Neither FIFA nor tournament organizers have publicly commented on Iran’s allegations regarding the ticket allocation.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is being co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with Iran scheduled to play all three of its group-stage matches in the United States.
Iran will open its campaign against the national team of New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15, before facing Belgium on June 21 at the same venue. The team will then take on Egypt in Seattle on June 26.
The latest dispute adds another layer of uncertainty to Iran’s participation in the tournament as preparations enter their final stages.
