Just days before the start of the World Cup, Iran’s football federation says its share of tickets for the group stage has been withdrawn. The tournament, co-hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States, kicks off on Thursday. Iran is set to face New Zealand on June 15 in Los Angeles, Belgium on June 21 in Los Angeles, and Egypt on June 26 in Seattle.
According to the Iranian federation, FIFA regulations grant each participating nation 8% of the ticket pool for their matches to distribute to supporters. The federation stated that it had already begun selling tickets but can no longer provide them to fans — some of whom have already made travel plans.
In a statement, the FFIRI said: “Depriving Iranian supporters of access to their lawful and official allocation of tickets is an action contrary to the spirit of governing international competitions and the principle of equality among participating countries.” It added that the move raises “serious questions about the interference of non-sporting and political considerations” in football’s biggest event. The federation called on FIFA to uphold neutrality, fairness, and its own rules.
Iran’s World Cup campaign has been clouded by uncertainty linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and associated security concerns. On May 25, Iran moved its training base from Tucson, Arizona, to Tijuana, Mexico, claiming the U.S. refused to host them. Their visas require them to fly in and out of the U.S. on matchdays for each of their three group games.
On June 6, Iran accused the U.S. of denying entry visas to 15 administrative staff members described as “integral” to the national team’s backroom operations. Earlier, the FFIRI had submitted a list of ten conditions for participation to FIFA, including allowing players, coaches, and officials who have completed military service with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said Iranian players are welcome, but individuals linked to the IRGC could face entry restrictions.
Iran was the only country absent from FIFA’s annual congress in Vancouver in April, after a delegation of FFIRI officials — including president Medhi Taj — was turned away at the Canadian border.
