Iran says ticket allocation for World Cup withdrawn days before tournament
The federation said fans had already begun buying tickets, and each World Cup team receives 8% of stadium capacity for its matches.
- On Tuesday, the Iranian Football Federation announced the United States revoked their ticket allocation for World Cup group games, leaving supporters who had already made travel plans unable to attend their team's matches.
- Mounting diplomatic tensions following a regional conflict involving the U.S. and Israel in late February created significant bureaucratic hurdles, prompting the Iranian squad to relocate their base from Tucson, Arizona to Tijuana, Mexico.
- While FIFA regulations mandate an 8% ticket allocation for participating federations, the FFIRI stated this action is "contrary to the spirit governing international competitions," as thousands of fans had already finalized travel arrangements.
- FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafstrom held a "positive discussion" with FFIRI President Mehdi Taj after the team arrived at their tournament base, with FIFA committing to ensure the delegation's experience remains positive.
- The World Cup begins Thursday with Iran facing New Zealand on June 15 and Belgium on June 21 in Los Angeles, then Egypt on June 26 in Seattle, despite the ongoing ticket dispute.
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Just days before the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a new controversy has arisen for Iran. The Iranian Football Federation (FFIRI) has alleged that FIFA has withdrawn its ticket quota, even though thousands of fans had already made travel arrangements. Previously, visa disputes and US-Iran tensions have also added to the team's difficulties.
Iran Football Federation slams abrupt US decision to cancel its ticket quota
The Iranian Football Federation condemns in the strongest terms the abrupt decision by US authorities to cancel its ticket quota and obstruct the sale of tickets to Team Melli fans.
The Iranian Football Federation accused, on Tuesday, the United States of withdrawing the share of tickets destined for its fans for the 2026 World Cup, played between June 11 and July 19. At less than three days from the start of the tournament, the United States once again prevented Iranian fans from attending the games of the selection group phase, said FFIRI in a statement. The text mentions the Fifa regulation, which provides for the alloca…
Associated Press News
Iran soccer body claims fans' tickets for World Cup games in the US have been revoked
The Iranian soccer federation claims FIFA has revoked its ticket allocation for fans at the team’s three World Cup games in the United States. Each federation for the 48 teams taking part is entitled to receive and distribute 8% of stadium capacity at the World Cup.
FIFA 2026: Iran says ticket allocation for World Cup withdrawn days before tournament
Iran's football federation states its World Cup ticket allocation has been cancelled. This leaves fans who planned travel unable to see their team play. The World Cup begins Thursday. Iran's matches are scheduled in Los Angeles and Seattle. The federation calls the action contrary to international competition spirit. It questions non-sporting interference in the event. FIFA has not commented.
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