Iran’s football federation has accused the United States of revoking its allocation of tickets for the country’s 2026 FIFA World Cup group-stage matches, claiming the move prevents Iranian supporters from attending games in the co-host nation.
In a statement issued less than three days before the tournament begins, the federation said the decision was the latest obstacle facing Iran amid heightened tensions with Washington following the conflict that erupted after US and Israeli attacks on Iran in February.
“With less than three days remaining until the start of the 2026 World Cup, 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 said.
Iran’s football governing body argued that FIFA regulations entitle participating federations to receive eight percent of tickets for each match, which are then distributed to their supporters through official channels.
The federation said it had already started selling tickets for Iran’s group matches against New Zealand, Belgium and Egypt after receiving its allocation, with some fans having completed travel and accommodation arrangements.
“However, in an unexpected move, the allocation granted to the Iranian Football Federation has been withdrawn, and under the current circumstances, the federation is unable to provide even a single ticket to supporters of the national team,” the statement added.
Iran described the withdrawal as being “contrary to the spirit governing international competitions and the principle of equality among participating countries”.
The federation called on FIFA and tournament organisers to intervene.
“We urge FIFA and the organisers to uphold the principles of neutrality, fairness and established regulations, and to provide the necessary conditions for Iranian supporters,” it said.
Neither FIFA nor US organisers had publicly responded to the allegations at the time of publication.
The dispute comes amid broader concerns surrounding Iran’s participation in the World Cup. Tehran has previously complained that visa restrictions prevented around 15 members of its administrative and management delegation from entering the United States.
Rising diplomatic tensions have also prompted Iran to relocate its World Cup training camp from Tucson, Arizona, to the Mexican border city of Tijuana.
Iran begin their World Cup campaign against New Zealand in Los Angeles before facing Belgium in the same city later this month and Egypt in Seattle.
