ZURICH — FIFA has revoked the ticket allocation reserved for Iranian supporters for all three of Iran’s group-stage matches at the 2026 World Cup in the United States, according to the Iranian Football Federation, adding to logistical and political tensions surrounding the tournament.
The Iranian federation said on Tuesday that it had been informed it could no longer distribute tickets to supporters through its official allocation channel for matches against New Zealand, Belgium and Egypt. Under FIFA regulations, participating federations are typically entitled to receive a portion of stadium capacity for distribution to their own supporters. The Iranian federation said the allocation had been withdrawn days before the team’s opening match.
In a statement carried by Iranian state-affiliated media, the federation said the decision had disrupted travel plans for supporters who had already arranged flights and accommodation. “This incident raises serious questions about the influence of non-sporting and political considerations on the organization of the world’s biggest football event,” the federation said.
FIFA had not publicly confirmed the revocation in detail as of Thursday, but the governing body said it was working with Iranian football officials to address ticketing issues and identify solutions that comply with applicable regulations, according to reports from multiple media outlets.
The dispute comes amid broader challenges facing Iran’s participation in the tournament. Iranian officials have previously raised concerns about visa restrictions, travel limitations and other logistical obstacles affecting players, staff and supporters. Iran has established its World Cup training base in Tijuana, Mexico, rather than in the United States, where all three of its group-stage matches are scheduled to take place.
According to the Iranian federation, participating national associations normally receive approximately 8% of stadium capacity for distribution to fans through official channels. The federation said it had already begun organizing ticket sales before being informed that the allocation would no longer be available.
The Associated Press reported that FIFA had been approached for comment following the federation’s announcement. Media reports citing individuals familiar with the matter suggested that financial and regulatory issues linked to U.S. sanctions may have complicated the transfer and distribution of tickets, though details remain unclear.
Iran is scheduled to open its World Cup campaign against New Zealand on June 15 in the Los Angeles area before facing Belgium and Egypt later in the group stage.
As of Thursday, the Iranian federation said it remained unable to distribute tickets through its official allocation process. FIFA said discussions with Iranian officials were continuing, while tickets previously designated for federation distribution were expected to be made available through general sales channels.
