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Iran accuses U.S. of blocking fans from World Cup matches
Iranian players attend an international friendly match against Gambia in Antalya, Türkiye, 29 May 2026.
Reuters
The Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran (FFIRI) has accused the U.S. of preventing Iranian supporters from attending the country's World Cup matches after its allocation of tickets was withdrawn just days before the tournament begins.
The FFIRI said it had already started distributing tickets for Iran's group-stage matches against New Zealand, Belgium and Egypt after receiving a quota under FIFA's allocation system. Supporters had also made travel arrangements based on those sales, it said.
However, the federation said the allocation had since been cancelled, leaving it unable to provide tickets to fans.
"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 FFIRI said.
Concerns over tournament access
The dispute comes amid strained relations between Tehran and Washington following recent military hostilities involving Iran, the U.S. and Israel.
Iranian officials have previously complained that visa restrictions prevented around 15 members of the country's administrative and management delegation from travelling to the U.S. for the tournament.
The federation said the removal of its ticket quota was inconsistent with the principles of fairness and equal treatment for participating nations, and called on FIFA and tournament organisers to intervene.
"Depriving Iranian supporters of access to their lawful and official allocation of tickets is an action contrary to the spirit governing international competitions and the principle of equality among participating countries," it said.
"This development raises serious questions about the interference of non-sporting and political considerations in the organisation of the world's biggest football event."
Neither FIFA nor U.S. organisers have publicly responded to the allegations.
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Change of training base
The tensions have also affected Iran's preparations for the tournament. The team has relocated its training camp from Tucson, Arizona, to the Mexican border city of Tijuana.
Earlier on Tuesday, FIFA said Secretary General Mattias Grafstrom had held a "positive discussion" with FFIRI president Mehdi Taj after the team arrived at its base in Mexico.
"With the team now in Mexico, FIFA will continue dialogue and collaboration with the FFIRI to ensure the team and the delegation's experience is a positive one," Grafstrom said.
Iran begin their World Cup campaign against New Zealand in Los Angeles on 15 June before facing Belgium on 21 June and Egypt on 26 June.
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