More controversy has emerged just days before the start of the FIFA World Cup 2026 after tickets allocated to Iranian supporters were reportedly revoked, according to the country’s football federation.
Iran’s Football Federation, Islamic Republic of Iran (FFIRI), says its supporters have been denied access to their official ticket allocation for group-stage matches, intensifying tensions surrounding the nation’s participation at the tournament.
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Iran’s involvement in the FIFA 2026 World Cup has already been clouded by uncertainty amid ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and broader security concerns linked to the co-hosting arrangement by Canada, Mexico and the United States.
The FIFA 2026 World Cup begins on Thursday, June 11, with Iran scheduled to face New Zealand on June 15 in Los Angeles, Belgium on June 21, also in Los Angeles, and Egypt on June 26 in Seattle.
FFIRI Questions FIFA Ticket Allocation Rules
The Iranian federation claims FIFA regulations entitle each participating nation to 8% of tickets for every match involving their team, to be distributed to supporters.
It says it had already begun selling tickets to fans before the allocation was reportedly withdrawn, leaving some supporters who had made travel arrangements stranded.
Iran Federation Reacts
In a strongly worded statement, the FFIRI condemned the decision, describing it as a violation of fairness and equality in global football.
“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,” the statement read.
FIFA has not yet publicly responded to the claims.
The FIFA 2026 World Cup will be jointly hosted across the United States, Mexico and Canada, with security and diplomatic sensitivities already under scrutiny ahead of kick-off.
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