Iran Fans Cut Off – Federation Revokes Ticket Allocation

Sat Jun 13 2026 11:07:27 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Iran's ticket allocation for the World Cup group stage has been revoked days before the tournament starts, sparking controversy over political interference in sport.

In the lead‑up to the 2026 World Cup, Iran’s football federation announced that the federation’s allocated fan tickets have been cancelled, a move that came after a season of visa refusals and travel complications for the national squad. The decision was made only a few days before the tournament, leaving supporters already having booked travel disconcerted. Iran’s group matches will take place in Los Angeles and Seattle, with the team facing New Zealand, Belgium and Egypt. The federation expressed disappointment, arguing that FIFA rules grant every participating nation an 8% share of tickets and that the interference was contrary to the principles of fairness and equality. Iran’s case is one of several where political tensions in the Middle East have overlapped with sporting preparations, raising questions about the influence of non‑sporting interests on the world’s biggest football event.

Iran Fans Cut Off – Federation Revokes Ticket Allocation

In the lead‑up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Iran’s football federation announced that the federation’s allocated fan tickets have been cancelled just days before the tournament begins. The revocation follows a season of visa refusals and travel setbacks for the national squad.

The federation said that, according to FIFA regulations, each national association receives 8% of the tickets for every match that can be offered to supporters. It added that it had already begun selling tickets but can no longer supply them.

Iran’s group matches sit in Los Angeles (against New Zealand and Belgium) and Seattle (against Egypt), with the tournament set to start on 15 June. Supporters have already booked flights and accommodations, making the decision particularly controversial.

The federation’s statement said, “Depriving Iranian supporters of access to their lawful and official allocation of tickets is an action contrary to the spirit of governing international competitions and the principle of equality among participating countries.” It further warned that the move highlighted “serious questions about the interference of non‑sporting and political considerations in the organisation of the world’s biggest football event.”

FFIRI has called on FIFA to uphold neutrality, fairness and the established regulations. The decision on ticket allocation comes amid larger disputes over visa issues for staff and players linked to the country’s military organisation, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.