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Iran’s football federation has accused the United States of withdrawing its allocated ticket quota for Iranian supporters ahead of the 2026 World Cup, alleging that the decision will prevent fans from attending the national team’s group-stage matches.
In a statement on Tuesday, the federation said the move was made just days before the tournament begins, disrupting arrangements already underway for supporters who had planned travel and secured tickets through official channels.
The 2026 World Cup will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, with Iran set to play all three of its group-stage matches on US soil.
Under FIFA rules, participating federations are typically allocated a portion of tickets often about eight per cent per match for distribution to their supporters. Iran said it had already received its quota and begun ticket sales for games against New Zealand, Belgium and Egypt before the allocation was allegedly withdrawn.
“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.
It added that the decision has left it unable to guarantee tickets to supporters who had already made arrangements based on the original allocation.
“However, in an unexpected move, the allocation granted to the Iranian Football Federation has been withdrawn, and under the current circumstances, the federation is unable to provide even a single ticket to supporters of the national team,” it said.
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The federation described the development as contrary to the principles of fairness, neutrality and equal treatment that govern international competitions, calling on FIFA and tournament organisers to intervene and ensure compliance with established regulations.
“We call on FIFA and tournament organisers to uphold the principles of neutrality, fairness, and established regulations, and to provide the necessary conditions for Iranian supporters,” it added.
Neither FIFA nor US organisers had issued an official response to the allegation at the time of filing this report.
The complaint adds to a series of logistical and diplomatic disputes surrounding Iran’s participation in the tournament, including earlier visa-related challenges affecting members of its delegation.
Tehran has also relocated its World Cup training base from Tucson, Arizona, to Tijuana near the US–Mexico border amid rising tensions linked to travel and administrative restrictions.
Iran is scheduled to open its World Cup campaign against New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15, before facing Belgium in the same city on June 21 and Egypt in Seattle on June 26.
The dispute underscores how geopolitical tensions continue to intersect with global sporting events, raising concerns over access, neutrality and fan participation ahead of one of football’s biggest tournaments.:::
