News Focus
- Iran’s football authority says Fifa has cancelled all ticket allocations for Iranian supporters
- Fans had already started buying tickets before the sudden reversal
- The decision comes amid ongoing diplomatic tensions between Iran and the United States
- Iran’s team must fly in and out of the US for each match due to visa restrictions
- The federation accuses organisers of mixing politics with sport
The Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran (FFIRI) has revealed that official ticket allocations for Iranian supporters have been withdrawn just days before the tournament kicks off.
According to football’s global governing body regulations, each national association receives eight per cent of tickets for their respective matches. The Iranian governing body confirmed they had already begun sales to supporters, many of whom have arranged travel to North America.
The 2026 tournament, which Canada, Mexico and the United States are hosting together, begins this Thursday. Iran’s opening fixture against New Zealand takes place in Los Angeles on 15 June, followed by a clash with Belgium in the same city six days later. Their final group match against Egypt happens in Seattle on 26 June.
In a strongly worded statement, the FFIRI described the move as a violation of fair play principles. “Denying Iranian fans their legal entitlement to these tickets contradicts the spirit of international competitions,” the federation declared. They urged Fifa to maintain neutrality and follow established rules.
This development marks the latest difficulty for Iran’s participation. Last month, the team relocated their training base from Tucson, Arizona to Tijuana in Mexico. They claimed American authorities refused to host them properly.
Visa restrictions continue to hamper preparations. Team officials revealed that fifteen backroom staff members received entry denials earlier this month. Players must also follow strict protocols, entering and leaving the United States only on match days.
The disputes stem from wider geopolitical issues. American Secretary of State Marco Rubio previously warned that anyone connected to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps could face entry bans, though players themselves remain welcome.
In April, Canadian border officials blocked FFIRI president Medhi Taj and other delegates from attending Fifa’s annual congress in Vancouver. Iran was the only participating nation absent from that meeting.
Security concerns relating to Middle East conflicts have overshadowed Iran’s preparations throughout the qualification period. The federation had initially presented Fifa with ten conditions for their involvement, including provisions for officials with military service backgrounds.