Iran Says FIFA Ticket Allocation Revoked and Team Barred from Staying in US Ahead of 2026 World Cup

The Iranian Football Federation (FFIRI) says FIFA withdrew the 8 % stadium allocation reserved for Iranian supporters, leaving thousands of fans without tickets for group‑stage matches against New Zealand, Belgium and Egypt. The federation alleges discrimination and political interference and has urged FIFA to ensure equal treatment for all participants.

Iran’s national team also faces travel restrictions: an Iranian ambassador in Mexico explained that the squad can only enter the United States on the day of a match and must leave the same day, preventing a training base in the US. After visa problems forced the team to move its preparation camp from Arizona to Mexico, the team must now operate under these limited entry rules for the tournament.