Iran’s football governing body has claimed that the United States canceled its quota of tickets for the global tournament, marking another flashpoint in the strained relations between the two countries. The federation alleges that Washington is deliberately obstructing Iranian supporters from attending the matches.
This development comes as the 2026 World Cup is set to kick off, with Iran scheduled to play against New Zealand, Belgium, and Egypt on American soil. The Iranian federation stated that it had already begun selling tickets to fans, some of whom had made travel arrangements, only to have the allocation unexpectedly withdrawn.
The federation expressed outrage, describing the move as a violation of FIFA’s principles of fairness and equality. According to FIFA rules, each participating nation is entitled to eight percent of tickets for their group stage games, which they distribute to supporters. Iran says it followed these guidelines before the US action left them with no tickets to offer.
The dispute adds to the existing tensions following the US and Israel’s military action against Iran earlier this year, which included visa denials for some Iranian staffers. The Iranian federation called on FIFA and tournament organizers to uphold neutrality and ensure that Iranian fans are treated fairly.
As of now, neither FIFA nor US officials have issued a response to these allegations. The situation raises questions about the intersection of sports and geopolitics, especially with the World Cup being hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico.