FFIRI accuses FIFA of political interference after World Cup ticket allocation revoked

The Iran Football Federation (FFIRI) has announced that its allocated tickets for the group stage of the 2026 World Cup have been revoked just days before the tournament begins. The federation stated that FIFA regulations guarantee each participating nation 8% of tickets per match, but claims it can no longer provide them to supporters who have already made travel arrangements.

In a statement, the FFIRI condemned the decision as contrary to the spirit of international competition and raised concerns about political interference in the event. The governing body argued that depriving Iranian supporters of their lawful allocation violated the principle of equality among participating countries and called on FIFA to uphold established regulations and neutrality.

This development follows a series of diplomatic friction points involving the United States and Canada. On 25 May, Iran moved its training base from Tucson, Arizona, to Tijuana, Mexico, citing US unwillingness to host them. Prior to this, in April, a delegation of FFIRI officials, including president Medhi Taj, was turned away at the Canadian border, preventing Iran from attending FIFA’s annual congress in Vancouver.

Further tensions emerged on 6 June when Iran accused the US of denying visas to 15 administrative officials described as integral to the backroom staff. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio responded by stating that while Iran's players are welcome, individuals with links to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) could face entry restrictions. The FFIRI had previously presented FIFA with a list of 10 conditions for participation, including allowing players and officials who have completed military service with the IRGC.

Iran is scheduled to play New Zealand on 15 June and Belgium on 21 June in Los Angeles, followed by a match against Egypt in Seattle on 26 June. Under current visa conditions, the team must fly in and out of the United States for each of their three group games, despite their training base being located in Mexico.