Iran accuse US of blocking supporters as World Cup ticket allocation revoked

The Iranian Football Federation (FFIRI) said FIFA regulations entitle each participating nation to receive eight percent of tickets for its matches to distribute to supporters. The federation said it had already begun selling tickets for matches against New Zealand, Belgium and Egypt, with some fans having already made travel arrangements.

"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.

The federation claimed that after initially receiving its allocation, it was informed that the tickets had been withdrawn.

"However, in an unexpected move, the allocation granted to the Iranian Football Federation has been withdrawn, and under the current circumstances, the federation is unable to provide even a single ticket to supporters of the national team."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 FFIRI described the move as "contrary to the spirit governing international competitions and the principle of equality among participating countries" and called on FIFA and tournament organisers "to uphold the principles of neutrality, fairness, and established regulations".

FIFA later confirmed discussions were ongoing.

"We are working closely with the IR Iran Football Federation to identify compliant solutions that maximize opportunities for Iranian supporters to attend matches," a FIFA statement read.

The dispute is the latest complication in Iran's World Cup preparations, which have been affected by tensions between Tehran and Washington following the conflict earlier this year.

Iran has already complained that around 15 administrative and management staff members were denied visas to enter the United States. The team also switched its training base from Tucson, Arizona, to the Mexican border city of Tijuana.

US secretary of state Marco Rubio has said Iran's players will be welcome at the tournament, although individuals linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) could face restrictions.

White House FIFA Task Force executive director Andrew Giuliani said the administration wanted Iran to compete fairly.

"The president has been clear on this one ... that he wants to make sure that they have every opportunity to compete on a level playing field here," Giuliani said.

At the same time, he defended restrictions on some members of the delegation, adding that people "directly working" with the IRGC would not be allowed into the United States.

The controversy has drawn criticism from advocacy groups. The National Iranian American Council described the situation as "petty and vindicative", while Fare Network executive director Piara Powar questioned whether FIFA or the US government was ultimately controlling access to the tournament.

"The disruption is such that one has to ask who is running the World Cup. Is it FIFA or is it the U.S. government with its racially charged immigration policies?" Powar said.

Iran, appearing at a seventh men's World Cup, begin their campaign against New Zealand in Los Angeles on 15 June before facing Belgium on 21 June and Egypt in Seattle on 26 June.

With visa disputes, travel restrictions and now ticketing concerns dominating the build-up, Team Melli's preparations have become one of the tournament's most contentious off-field stories.