On June 11, the Football Federation of the Islamic Republic of Iran (FFIRI) issued an official statement accusing the United States of unilaterally canceling ticket allocations for Iranian fans at the three group-stage matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The decision came only three days before the tournament kicks off on U.S. soil, amid already heightened bilateral tensions.
According to FFIRI, FIFA rules allocate 8% of total tickets for each match to the participating teams, which they are allowed to distribute to their supporters. Iran had already begun selling its quota of tickets for the matches against New Zealand, Belgium, and Egypt, prompting many fans to arrange travel to the United States to cheer the team.
In a sudden development, the ticket quota assigned to FFIRI was withdrawn. The federation stated: “Under the current circumstances, the federation cannot provide even a single ticket to fans of the national team.”
FFIRI called the action “contrary to the spirit of international tournaments and the principle of equality among participating nations.” It urged FIFA and the tournament organizers to “uphold the principles of neutrality, fairness, and established regulations, and to provide the necessary conditions for Iranian fans.”
The latest incident adds to ongoing controversies surrounding Iran’s participation in the World Cup. Earlier, Tehran said the U.S. had refused visas to about 15 administrative and management staff of the delegation, although players and support staff received visas and landed in Mexico on June 9.
The rising tensions also forced Iran to alter its plans, moving its training base from Tucson, Arizona, to Tijuana, a Mexican border city, departing from the original schedule.
Iran will open its World Cup campaign against New Zealand on June 15 in Los Angeles, then face Belgium in the same city on June 21, and take on Egypt in Seattle on June 26. FIFA and the U.S. organizing committee have not yet issued an official response to the allegations.
