Iran accuses FIFA of abruptly canceling ticket allocation, suspects political interference

By Seo Ji-yeon, The Herald Business

Iran, currently at war with the United States and Israel, has lodged a sharp protest after saying match tickets allocated to its fans for the 2026 FIFA North America World Cup were abruptly canceled ahead of the tournament's opening. The Iranian Football Federation demanded that FIFA explain whether political considerations played a role in the decision.

In a statement issued Monday, the federation said it had already begun selling tickets to fans but could no longer provide them, adding that Iranian supporters had been "deprived of their right to access legitimately allocated tickets."

The federation said many Iranian football fans had already made travel plans — booking flights and accommodation — in good faith through official channels. It called the move "a direct violation of the spirit of international competition and the principle of equality among participating nations."

The federation said the situation "raises serious questions about whether political considerations have interfered with the management of the world's biggest football event."

The federation did not identify who suspended the ticket allocation. However, it urged FIFA to "uphold its principles of neutrality, fairness and established regulations" and to ensure that "issues outside the stadium do not cast a shadow over the tournament."

FIFA has not issued an official response to Iran's claims.

The dispute is seen as the latest fallout from tensions that have escalated since US and Israeli airstrikes on Iran.

Since the Middle East conflict intensified in February, Iran's participation in the World Cup has been clouded by uncertainty. Concerns over US entry visas prompted the Iranian Football Federation to consider moving the national team's base camp from Arizona to Mexico to minimize the squad's time on American soil.

The US government ultimately granted visas to all members of the Iranian squad last week, but some staff members were denied entry.

Iran has been drawn into Group G for the North America World Cup, which opens Thursday. The team opens its campaign against New Zealand on June 15, then faces Belgium in Los Angeles on June 21, before closing out the group stage against Egypt in Seattle on June 26.