Iran Questions FIFA Over 8% Supporter-Ticket Allocation Amid US Visa Row Ahead of World Cup

Tehran: Iran’s Football Federation has questioned FIFA over the allocation of tickets reserved for supporters of participating teams at the 2026 World Cup, saying Iranian fans are being prevented from accessing seats they are entitled to under tournament regulations as visa and travel issues continue to cloud the country’s participation in the competition.

The federation said FIFA rules provide participating federations with an allocation equivalent to eight percent of stadium capacity for each match, allowing national associations to distribute tickets to their supporters through official channels. However, Tehran says it has been unable to provide tickets to Iranian fans after a previously granted allocation was withdrawn ahead of the tournament.

“With less than three days remaining until the start of the 2026 World Cup, the United States has once again acted to obstruct the presence of Iranian supporters at the stadiums hosting the national team’s three group-stage matches,” the federation said in a statement on Tuesday.

According to the federation, Iran had already begun the process of selling tickets for its group-stage matches against New Zealand, Belgium and Egypt after receiving its quota, with some supporters having made travel and accommodation arrangements.

The federation said it was later informed that the allocation had been withdrawn, leaving it unable to distribute tickets to supporters of the national team.

“The allocation granted to the Iranian Football Federation has been withdrawn, and under the current circumstances, the federation is unable to provide even a single ticket to supporters of the national team,” the statement said.

Iran described the move as inconsistent with the principles of neutrality, fairness and equal treatment that govern international sporting competitions and called on FIFA and tournament organizers to ensure that Iranian supporters are able to attend matches in accordance with established regulations.

The complaint adds to a growing list of disputes surrounding Iran’s preparations for the World Cup, which is being co-hosted by the United States. Tehran has previously accused US authorities of creating bureaucratic obstacles for its delegation, including visa issues that it says have prevented around 15 administrative and management staff members from entering the country.

The tensions come against the backdrop of strained relations between Tehran and Washington following military confrontations involving the United States and Israel earlier this year. Iranian officials have argued that those tensions are affecting logistical arrangements connected to the tournament.

The federation’s latest intervention effectively asks FIFA how the reported eight-percent supporter allocation can be guaranteed if Iranian fans are unable to obtain access to the tickets reserved for them or face difficulties travelling to the United States. Tehran argues that the issue goes beyond ticket distribution and raises broader questions about equal treatment of supporters from all participating nations.

The latest dispute also follows Iran’s decision to relocate its World Cup training base from Tucson, Arizona, to the Mexican border city of Tijuana, a move officials linked to the deteriorating political climate and practical concerns surrounding the team’s stay in the United States.

Iran are scheduled to open their World Cup campaign against New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15 before facing Belgium in the same city on June 21 and Egypt in Seattle on June 26. With the tournament set to begin, Tehran’s challenge over the reported eight-percent supporter-ticket allocation is likely to increase pressure on FIFA to clarify the status of fan access and ensure participating nations receive equal treatment both on and off the field.