According to AFP and the BBC, on June 9 local time, the Iranian Football Federation stated that the United States unreasonably took back the ticket quota allocated to the Iranian team for the World Cup group stage, deliberately obstructing Iranian fans from watching the matches on site.
The Iranian Football Federation stated in a statement that three days before the opening of the 2026 World Cup, the United States took action again, suddenly and "unexpectedly" canceling the ticket allocation allocated to Iran, preventing Iranian fans from attending the three group stage matches at their home stadiums. "The Iranian Football Federation can no longer provide even one ticket to fans."
The Iranian Football Association stated that, according to FIFA regulations, each match requires the allocation of 8% of the tickets to the participating associations, which will be distributed to domestic fans through official channels. The Iranian Football Association has already received its quota and has begun selling tickets for Iran’s group matches against New Zealand, Belgium, and Egypt. All three matches will be held in the United States, and many fans have already made travel arrangements.
The Iranian Football Association criticized the US actions, stating that they 'go against the spirit of international competitions and the principle of equality among participating countries'. It also called on FIFA and the event organizers to adhere to neutrality and fairness, in order to 'create the necessary conditions' for Iranian fans to watch the matches live.
On that day, FIFA stated that they were working hard to provide Iranian fans with the opportunity to watch matches “to the greatest extent possible”.
On June 7th local time, Iranian fans welcomed the Iranian team in Tijuana, Mexico. Associated Press
According to the schedule, the World Cup will kick off on June 11. Iran is in Group G, and during the group stage, they will play two matches: against New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles on June 15th and 21st, respectively. On June 26th, they will move to Seattle to face Egypt.
Due to the US side's difficulties with visa issues, the Iranian team has had a tough time during this World Cup. At the request of the Iranian Football Federation, FIFA approved in late May to change the venue for the Iranian team during this World Cup from Tucson, Arizona in the United States to Tijuana, Mexico.
On June 5th local time, the Iranian Football Association issued a statement accusing the United States of violating international sports rules by refusing to grant visas to several members of the Iranian national team delegation. The Iranian Football Association criticized the US for adopting 'discriminatory treatment' against Iran, creating an unfair and unequal environment. This action is a serious political interference in sports.
After the Iranian national football team delegation arrived at their accommodations on the 7th, Iran’s Ambassador to Mexico, Aboulfazle Pashandide, said that 15 out of the 70 members of the delegation still did not have their US visas. It is reported that among them is Mehdi Tadeh, the president of the Iranian Football Federation.
