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Iran loses World Cup ticket allotment days before opener
The Iranian Football Federation announced Tuesday that FIFA has withdrawn the team's official share of group-stage tickets, leaving supporters who had already booked travel in limbo.
Tournament schedule and travel hurdles
The 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States, kicks off Thursday. Iran's first match is against New Zealand on 15 June in Los Angeles, followed by a clash with Belgium on 21 June in the same city. Their final group game is set for Seattle against Egypt on 26 June.
FIFA regulations entitle each participating federation to 8 % of the tickets for its matches. The Iranian federation said it had already begun distributing tickets but can no longer deliver them to fans.
Federation condemns decision as politicized
In a statement, the Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran (FFIRI) called the move "contrary to the spirit of international competitions and the principle of equality among participating countries."
"This development raises serious questions about the interference of non-sporting and political considerations in the organisation of the world's biggest football event."
FFIRI statement
The federation urged FIFA to "uphold the principles of neutrality, fairness, and established regulations."
Visa disputes and training camp relocation
Iran's participation has been marked by logistical challenges. On 25 May, the team relocated its training base from Tucson, Arizona, to Tijuana, Mexico, citing the U.S. government's refusal to host them. Under visa terms, the squad must fly in and out of the U.S. on match days.
On 6 June, the FFIRI accused the U.S. of denying visas to 15 "integral" backroom staff, including administrative officials. The federation had previously submitted a list of 10 conditions for participation, including entry for personnel who completed military service with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that Iranian players would be welcome, but individuals linked to the IRGC could face entry restrictions.
Diplomatic tensions escalate
In April, Iran was the only nation absent from FIFA's annual congress in Vancouver after Canadian border officials turned away a delegation led by FFIRI president Mehdi Taj.
The team arrived in Mexico last week amid the ongoing visa dispute, underscoring the broader geopolitical tensions overshadowing their World Cup campaign.
