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Iran Football Federation says the US withdrew its ticket allocation for 2026 World Cup group games, blocking Iranian fans, urges FIFA to intervene as team shifts base to Mexico.
Iran football fans wave as players arrive for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Mexico (AP)
The Iranian Football Federation has accused the United States of preventing its supporters from attending the 2026 FIFA World Cup by withdrawing the federation’s ticket allocation for group-stage matches scheduled to be played on American soil.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the federation said the decision came just days before the tournament begins and is part of a broader series of obstacles Iran has faced amid ongoing political tensions with the United States. The dispute follows reports that several members of Iran’s World Cup delegation were unable to obtain visas to enter the host nation.
“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 Calls On FIFA To Intervene
Iran’s governing body argued that FIFA regulations guarantee participating federations a share of match tickets for distribution among their supporters. According to the federation, tickets had already begun to be sold for Iran’s matches against New Zealand, Belgium and Egypt after the allocation was initially granted, prompting many fans to make travel 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“However, in an unexpected move, the allocation granted to the Iranian Football Federation has been withdrawn, and under the current circumstances, the federation is unable to provide even a single ticket to supporters of the national team,” it added.
The federation further criticised the decision, describing it as “contrary to the spirit governing international competitions and the principle of equality among participating countries”.
It also urged football’s global governing body to intervene, calling on FIFA and tournament organisers “to uphold the principles of neutrality, fairness, and established regulations, to provide the necessary conditions for Iranian supporters”.
Neither FIFA nor the tournament’s US organisers have publicly responded to the allegations.
Iran have already altered their World Cup preparations due to the strained political climate, relocating their training base from Arizona to Tijuana in Mexico. The team begin their Group A campaign against New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15 before facing Belgium and Egypt later in the group stage.
(With inputs from Agencies)
About the Author
Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for over a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes cricket conten…Read More
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