Iran’s Soccer Federation Faces Ticket Distribution Challenge for 2026 World Cup

The Iranian soccer federation announced losing its ability to issue tickets for the upcoming 2026 World Cup, impacting hundreds of fans who had planned to attend the matches. This development arose just days before the tournament is set to begin.

According to FIFA regulations, federations participating in the World Cup are allocated 8 percent of the tickets for their team’s matches. These tickets are then sold or distributed to fans. Iran’s Football Federation Islamic Republic expressed surprise at the loss of ticket distribution rights, labeling it as an ‘unexpected move.’

The federation mentioned that it is now unable to provide tickets to Iranian supporters, despite having already sold tickets to some matches through its website. Although the federation did not specify the entity responsible for revoking its rights, it blamed the United States, one of the host nations alongside Mexico and Canada.

In a statement, the federation expressed regret that the U.S. had taken measures obstructing Iranian supporters’ attendance at the event, criticizing decisions that diverged from sporting norms. Iranian authorities urged FIFA to maintain the principles of neutrality and fairness to enable Iranian fans to participate.

While many World Cup tickets are sold via lotteries, those distributed by federations typically go to dedicated fans. FIFA has yet to respond to inquiries, while the U.S. Soccer Federation directed questions back to FIFA.

Iran’s World Cup participation faced uncertainty after airstrikes from the U.S. and Israel targeted Iran earlier this year. There were concerns about visa issuance for Iranian players and officials, which were resolved last week. However, visa applications for over a dozen support staff members were rejected.

American special envoy Paolo Zampolli stated that entry restrictions were implemented to ‘protect the homeland.’ Iran’s team originally planned to base itself in Tucson, Arizona, but opted to relocate to Tijuana, Mexico, closer to the U.S. border. Mehdi Taj, federation president, cited collaboration with FIFA to reduce time spent in the United States.

Iran is scheduled to play its first match on the West Coast against New Zealand in Los Angeles on Monday, followed by games against Belgium on June 21 in Los Angeles and Egypt on June 26 in Seattle.

Reported by Jonathan Wolfe, Times correspondent based in London, specializing in breaking news.