Iran’s football federation has accused the United States of withdrawing its World Cup 2026 ticket allocation for Iranian fans, saying the move is stopping supporters from attending group stage matches.
According to the federation, the decision has made it harder for Iranian fans to travel and watch their national team, especially as tensions continue between Tehran and Washington following recent political and military disputes involving the US and Israel earlier this year.
The statement said that with just days left before the tournament begins, Iranian supporters are being blocked from accessing stadium tickets for their team’s matches in the United States.
Iran explained that FIFA rules normally allow each country about eight percent of match tickets, which are shared through official football federations so fans can buy them fairly.
It added that Iran had already started selling tickets for its group games against New Zealand, Belgium, and Egypt, all set to be played in the US, and many fans had already made travel plans.
However, the federation said the situation changed suddenly, claiming its ticket allocation was revoked, leaving it unable to provide even a single ticket to its supporters.
Iran described the move as unfair and said it goes against the spirit of global football, where all nations are expected to be treated equally.
It also called on FIFA and World Cup organisers to step in and ensure rules of fairness, neutrality, and equal access are respected for all participating countries.
As of now, neither FIFA nor the United States organisers have publicly responded to the claims.