Iran accuses US of revoking World Cup tickets amid diplomatic rift

Iran's football federation on Tuesday said the United States has revoked its allocation of tickets for World Cup group games, accusing the co-host of obstructing the attendance of Iranian supporters amid a bitter diplomatic rift.

The US has imposed bureaucratic hurdles for Iran at the global football spectacle, including refusing visas for some support staff, as the two countries remain at war after the US and Israel attacked the country in late February.

"With less than three days remaining until the start of the 2026 World Cup... the United States has once again acted to obstruct the presence of Iranian supporters at the stadiums hosting the national team's three group stage matches," the federation said in a statement.

FIFA regulations entitle each participating federation to eight percent of tickets per match for distribution through official channels. Iran had already begun ticket sales for group matches against New Zealand, Belgium and Egypt – all to be held in the US – after receiving its quota, with some fans having already made travel arrangements.

"However, in an unexpected move, the allocation granted to the Iranian Football Federation has been withdrawn, and under the current circumstances, the federation is unable to provide even a single ticket to supporters of the national team," the statement said.

The federation described the move as "contrary to the spirit governing international competitions and the principle of equality among participating countries."

Iran called on FIFA and tournament organizers "to uphold the principles of neutrality, fairness, and established regulations, to provide the necessary conditions for Iranian supporters."

Neither FIFA nor US organizers have publicly commented.

The complaint is the latest dispute regarding Iran's participation in the World Cup, following visa issues that Tehran says have prevented some 15 administrative and management staff in its delegation from entering the US. 

Rising tensions also prompted Iran to move its World Cup training base to the Mexican border city of Tijuana rather than Tuscon, Arizona, as originally planned. 

Iran open their campaign against New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15, before facing Belgium in the same city on June 21 and Egypt in Seattle on June 26.