Iran’s soccer federation announced it has lost the ability to issue tickets for the 2026 World Cup shortly before the event’s kickoff, impacting fans who planned to support their team.
Under FIFA regulations, each participating federation receives 8% of the tickets for their matches, intended to be sold or handed out to fans. The Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran described the ticket loss as an ‘unexpected move’ and stated that it could no longer provide tickets to supporters.
The federation didn’t specify who revoked the ticket distribution rights, but pointed fingers at the United States, which is hosting the tournament alongside Mexico and Canada.
‘It is regrettable that, following a series of decisions and actions by the host country that fall outside the usual norms of sport, the United States has once again taken measures that obstruct the attendance of Iranian supporters,’
the federation remarked.
Efforts to contact Iran’s soccer federation for further comment have been unsuccessful. In communications with Iranian state media, the federation urged FIFA to adhere to neutrality and fairness and facilitate attendance for Iranian fans. Typically, tickets allotted to soccer federations are given to the teams’ loyal supporters.
FIFA has not responded to inquiries, and the U.S. Soccer Federation directed such questions to FIFA.
Iran’s World Cup participation was uncertain following airstrikes by the United States and Israel in February. Iranian players and officials faced uncertainty about their visa status, though visas were issued last week, except for over a dozen support staff members.
Paolo Zampolli, a U.S. envoy, indicated that entry limitations were to ‘protect the homeland.’
Iran intended to base its team in Tucson, Arizona, but opted for Tijuana, Mexico, near the U.S. border. Mehdi Taj, president of Iran’s soccer federation, noted that the relocation decision with FIFA aimed to reduce U.S. stay time for the team.
Iran’s schedule includes three West Coast matches: Monday against New Zealand in Los Angeles, then Belgium on June 21, and Egypt on June 26 in Seattle.
Jonathan Wolfe is a Times reporter based in London, covering breaking news.
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