Iran Football Federation Protests FIFA Decision to Revoke 2026 World Cup Ticket Allocation Days Before Kickoff

Just days before the 2026 World Cup is set to begin, the Football Federation of the Islamic Republic of Iran (FFIRI) has announced that its official supporter ticket allocation has been revoked. This sudden decision impacts thousands of Iranian fans who were preparing to attend the national team’s group stage matches against New Zealand, Belgium, and Egypt. The move has sparked significant controversy as the tournament prepares to kick off this coming Thursday, leaving supporters who have already made extensive travel and accommodation arrangements in a state of deep uncertainty and frustration. According to the FFIRI, FIFA’s standard regulations guarantee an 8% ticket allocation to each participating nation for their respective matches. The federation asserts that ticket sales had already commenced before they were notified of the revocation, and they have criticized the move as being contrary to the spirit of international competition. In a formal statement, the FFIRI raised serious concerns that external political factors may be influencing sporting decisions. The federation has urged FIFA to uphold its core principles of neutrality and fairness, demanding that the global football governing body adhere to its established regulations regardless of non-sporting pressures. This ticket dispute is the latest in a series of significant hurdles facing the Iranian team as they prepare for the global showpiece. Preparations have already been marred by logistical complications, including a late change of the team's training base from Tucson, Arizona, to Tijuana, Mexico. Furthermore, reports suggest that some players may only be permitted to enter the United States on matchdays, adding an unprecedented layer of difficulty to their campaign. These challenges, combined with the loss of dedicated fan support in the stands, place immense pressure on the squad and coaching staff. As the international football community watches the situation unfold, the revocation of the ticket allocation threatens to overshadow Iran's participation in the tournament. For the fans, the financial and emotional toll of potentially missing matches they have already prepared for remains the primary concern. With the tournament’s opening ceremony just days away, the FFIRI continues to push for a reversal of the decision, highlighting the need for FIFA to ensure that political tensions do not compromise the inclusivity and integrity of the World Cup.