Iran's football federation has accused the United States of revoking its allocation of tickets for the national team's World Cup group games, escalating a bitter diplomatic row. The decision leaves Iranian supporters who had already made travel plans unable to attend their team's matches. The Islamic Republic of Iran Football Federation (FFIRI) called it a move to sabotage the presence of Iranian fans at the tournament.
Statement from FFIRI
With less than three days remaining until the start of the 2026 World Cup, the FFIRI issued a statement on Tuesday claiming that the United States has once again acted to obstruct the presence of Iranian supporters at the stadiums hosting the national team's three group stage matches. The federation described the move as contrary to the spirit governing international competitions and the principle of equality among participating countries.
FIFA Regulations and Revocation
Under FIFA regulations, every participating country receives eight percent of tickets for each match, allocated to its federation for official distribution to fans. Iran was due to receive this standard allocation. However, the FFIRI now claims that this allocation has been revoked just days before their Group G opener against New Zealand in Los Angeles on 15 June. In an unexpected move, the allocation granted to the Iranian Football Federation has been withdrawn, and under the current circumstances, the federation is unable to provide even a single ticket to supporters of the national team.
Iran has already accused the United States of discriminatory behavior for denying visas to key members of staff. The latest development has been denounced as an obstruction of Iranian fans.
Background of Tensions
Iran's participation in this summer's tournament was thrown into doubt after the outbreak of war with the USA and Israel in February. The team moved its base to Tijuana, Mexico, following reports that the Trump administration did not want the team at its originally planned base in Tucson, Arizona. US visas for players were only approved on Friday, but several staff members, including Mehdi Taj, head of Iran's football federation, were denied visas. Abolfazl Pasandideh, Iran's ambassador to Mexico, stated that the visas were issued under strict conditions requiring the team to leave US soil on the same day as their matches.
Upcoming Matches
Iran will play all of their group stage games in the United States: they are scheduled to face New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles, and Egypt in Seattle.
