2026 World Cup: FIFA withdraws Iran's allocated tickets

World Cup 2026 Today at 09:00

Mahdi Zakaria LAZRI

News Editor

Just days before the 2026 World Cup, an unexpected decision has hit Iran. The move is already raising many questions and fueling controversy.

With the kickoff for the 2026 World Cup just around the corner, Iran finds itself at the center of a fresh controversy. The Iranian Football Federation has announced that it has lost its official ticket allocation for its supporters for the tournament’s group stage, which will take place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Iran denounces a decision contrary to the spirit of the World Cup

According to FIFA regulations, each participating federation is supposed to receive 8% of the tickets for its matches to distribute to its fans. However, the Iranian federation says it can no longer fulfill previously processed sales, even though some supporters have already booked their trips. In a statement, it condemned the situation as unfair:

"Depriving Iranian supporters of their legal and official ticket quota is a measure contrary to the spirit of international competitions and the principle of equality among participating nations."

See also: 2026 World Cup / Argentina - Algeria: "We will beat Messi," Ibrahim Maza fires up the rivalry!

The federation went even further, stating that this affair raises "serious questions about the interference of non-sporting and political considerations in the organization of the world's biggest football event." It also called on FIFA "to respect the principles of neutrality, fairness, and the current regulations."

However, this episode comes amid already heightened tensions surrounding Iran’s participation in the World Cup. From visa restrictions to logistical hurdles and security concerns linked to Middle East tensions, Team Melli's preparations are far from ideal. For the record, Iran will face New Zealand on June 15, Belgium on June 21, and Egypt on June 26 in Group E.

Related teams and leagues

Iran

World Cup