Iran’s Football Federation has accused the United States of preventing its supporters from attending the 2026 FIFA World Cup after the withdrawal of the country’s ticket allocation for group-stage matches, deepening a growing dispute surrounding the Asian nation’s participation in the tournament.
In a strongly worded statement released on Tuesday, the Football Federation of the Islamic Republic of Iran (FFIRI) said the move had effectively blocked Iranian fans from accessing tickets through official channels just days before the start of the competition.
“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.”
Iran Football Federation
The development adds another layer of uncertainty to Iran’s preparations for the tournament, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. It marks the first time in the 94-year history of the FIFA World Cup that three nations have shared hosting duties.
The dispute comes against the backdrop of worsening political tensions between Washington and Tehran. US President Donald Trump had earlier suggested that the safety of Iran’s participation on American soil could not be guaranteed, while Iranian officials have repeatedly complained about visa restrictions affecting members of their World Cup delegation.
Ticket Allocation Withdrawn
According to FFIRI, FIFA regulations entitle participating federations to receive an allocation of tickets for distribution among their supporters. The federation said it had already begun selling tickets for Iran’s group matches after receiving its quota and that many supporters had made travel and accommodation arrangements.
However, the governing body claims the allocation was later rescinded. “In an unexpected move, the allocation granted to the Iranian Football Federation has been withdrawn, and under the current circumstances, the federation is unable to provide even a single ticket to supporters of the national team,” the statement said.
Iran described the decision as a violation of the principles that govern international sporting events and argued that supporters should not be denied access because of political disagreements between governments.
The federation further urged FIFA and tournament organisers to intervene. It called on football authorities “to uphold the principles of neutrality, fairness, and established regulations, to provide the necessary conditions for Iranian supporters.”
Neither FIFA nor tournament organisers in the United States had publicly responded to the allegations at the time of writing.
Visa Problems Continue
The ticket controversy follows earlier complaints from Tehran regarding visa issues affecting members of its World Cup delegation.
Iranian officials have said that around 15 administrative and management staff members were unable to obtain the necessary documents to enter the United States. The restrictions have complicated logistical planning and raised concerns within the Iranian camp ahead of the country’s opening fixture.
The difficulties have reinforced perceptions in Tehran that political tensions are increasingly influencing football matters despite FIFA’s longstanding commitment to keeping the sport separate from international disputes.
For Iran, the latest developments have overshadowed preparations for what many believe is one of the country’s most promising World Cup squads in recent years.
Team Relocates Base to Mexico
Amid the uncertainty, Iran has already altered its tournament plans by setting up its training camp from the United States to Mexico.
The team was initially expected to be based in Tucson, Arizona, but officials decided to move operations to the Mexican border city of Tijuana. The decision was widely viewed as a response to concerns over visas, security and the broader diplomatic climate.
Despite the relocation, all three of Iran’s group-stage matches will still take place in the United States. The host country has issued conditions to Iran including leaving the their territory immediately after honouring a game m
Iran begin their campaign against New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15 before returning to the same venue to face Belgium on June 21. Their final Group match will be against Egypt in Seattle on June 26.
With kickoff fast approaching, Iran now faces the unusual prospect of competing in a World Cup where many of its supporters may be unable to enter the host country, turning what should be a celebration of football into another flashpoint in the long-running dispute between Tehran and Washington.
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