The Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran said the decision would prevent Iranian fans from attending their team’s three group-stage matches in the United States, according to Al Jazeera. Under FIFA rules, participating federations are normally entitled to a share of tickets for each match to distribute among their supporters.
Ticket row adds to tensions
Iran said its allocation had been withdrawn without warning, leaving the federation unable to provide tickets to fans of the national team.
“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,” the federation said in a statement.
The FFIRI described the move as contrary to the spirit of international competition and called on FIFA and tournament organisers to respect “neutrality, fairness and established regulations”.
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The dispute comes against the backdrop of strained relations between Tehran and Washington. Neither FIFA, the U.S. Soccer Federation nor American authorities had publicly responded to Iran’s claims, as described by Digi24.
Visa issues disrupt Iran’s plans
The ticket dispute is not the only problem Iran has faced before the tournament. The United States has reportedly refused visas for around 15 members of Iran’s administrative and management delegation.
Those difficulties have already affected the team’s preparations. Iran had planned to base itself in Tucson, Arizona, but later moved its training camp to Tijuana, Mexico. The squad arrived there on Sunday and is expected to remain in Mexico during the tournament, even though all three of its group-stage matches will be played in the United States.
Group matches in Los Angeles and Seattle
Iran qualified early for the 2026 World Cup and has been drawn in a group with New Zealand, Belgium and Egypt.
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The team is scheduled to face New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15, before playing Belgium at the same venue on June 21. Iran’s final group match is set for June 26 against Egypt in Seattle.
The 2026 World Cup is being co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada, with the United States staging most of the tournament’s matches, including all of Iran’s fixtures in the group stage.
Sources: www.digi24.ro, www.aljazeera.com
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