US revoked World Cup ticket allocation for supporters — Iran

Iran's football federation has accused the United States of revoking its allocated tickets for World Cup group games, alleging that co-host obstructs Iranian supporters' attendance amid a significant diplomatic dispute. The federation stated that the US has presented numerous bureaucratic hurdles, including visa denials for some support staff, as tensions between the two nations remain high.

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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.

With the 2026 World Cup set to begin in less than three days, the Iranian federation declared that the US has "once again acted to obstruct the presence of Iranian supporters." According to FIFA regulations, participating federations are entitled to eight percent of tickets for each match for distribution to their fans. Iran had already initiated ticket sales for its group stage matches against New Zealand, Belgium, and Egypt, all scheduled to be held in the US, after receiving its quota. However, the federation reported that the allocation was unexpectedly withdrawn, leaving them unable to provide any tickets to national team supporters.

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However, in an unexpected move, the allocation granted to the Iranian Football Federation has been withdrawn, and under the current circumstances, the federation is unable to provide even a single ticket to supporters of the national team.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 Iranian football body described the US action as "contrary to the spirit governing international competitions and the principle of equality among participating countries." They have appealed to FIFA and tournament organizers to uphold principles of neutrality, fairness, and established regulations, and to ensure the necessary conditions for Iranian supporters to attend the matches.

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The federation described the move as “contrary to the spirit governing international competitions and the principle of equality among participating countries”.

Neither FIFA nor US organizers have publicly commented on Iran's accusations. This complaint is the latest in a series of disputes concerning Iran's World Cup participation, following visa issues that Tehran claims have prevented approximately 15 administrative and management staff from entering the United States. Rising tensions also led Iran to relocate its World Cup training base to Tijuana, Mexico, instead of its originally planned location in Tuscon, Arizona. Iran is scheduled to play New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15, followed by matches against Belgium in the same city on June 21, and Egypt in Seattle on June 26.

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It also called on FIFA and tournament organisers “to uphold the principles of neutrality, fairness, and established regulations, to provide the necessary conditions for Iranian supporters”.