Iran Faces Ticket Distribution Issues for 2026 World Cup Amid Controversy

Iran’s soccer federation announced the loss of its ability to distribute tickets for the 2026 World Cup, just days before the event’s commencement. This decision impacts hundreds of fans who had planned to attend the matches. According to FIFA regulations, each participating federation receives 8% of the tickets for their team’s matches to sell or distribute to fans.

The Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran described this loss as an ‘unexpected move’ and stated, ‘As a result, the federation is currently unable to provide even a single ticket to supporters of the national team.’ The federation had already begun ticket sales through its website.

While the federation did not specify who revoked its ticket distribution rights, it blamed the United States, one of the tournament’s hosts, 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.

Iran’s soccer federation did not respond to multiple requests for further comments. In a statement released to Iranian state media, the federation urged FIFA to ‘uphold the principles of neutrality, fairness, and established regulations’ to facilitate Iranian fans’ attendance at the event. While many World Cup tickets are allocated through lotteries, those distributed by soccer federations usually reach the teams’ most loyal fans.

As of Tuesday, FIFA had not responded to requests for comment, and the U.S. Soccer Federation redirected inquiries to FIFA. Iran’s participation faced uncertainty after U.S. and Israeli airstrikes on the country in February. For months, the Iranian team and officials were uncertain about obtaining visas to enter the United States. The visas were eventually issued last week, but support staff members faced rejections, according to four senior officials.

Paolo Zampolli, an American special envoy, indicated that the entry restrictions were made to ‘protect the homeland.’ Originally, Iran’s team planned to base themselves in Tucson, Arizona; however, they shifted to Tijuana, Mexico, near the U.S. border. Mehdi Taj, the federation president and ex-Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps commander, stated that this decision was aligned with FIFA, to reduce the team’s time spent in the United States.

Iran is scheduled to play three matches on the West Coast, beginning with New Zealand in Los Angeles on Monday, followed by Belgium in Los Angeles on June 21, and then Egypt in Seattle on June 26.

Jonathan Wolfe, a reporter based in London, covers breaking news for the Times.