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The Iranian Football Federation accused the United States of preventing Iranian supporters from accessing tickets for the national team's World Cup matches, claiming its allocated ticket quota was withdrawn less than three days before the tournament kicked off.
In a statement carried by state media, the federation argued that U.S. authorities were obstructing the presence of Iranian fans during the group stage of the competition.
According to the federation, FIFA procedures reserve roughly 8% of ticket capacity for each World Cup match for participating national associations, allowing supporters to purchase tickets through official channels coordinated by their respective federations.
Iran's football body noted that it had planned to sell tickets for national team matches under the same system but was informed that the quota allocated to Iranian supporters had been revoked.
As a result, ticket sales through the federation are currently unavailable, it added.
The federation said many Iranian fans had already made travel and attendance plans based on the official ticketing process, and they’re asking that Iranian supporters get the same rights as fans from other countries since they always follow the rules.
Expressing dissatisfaction with the situation, the federation called on FIFA and tournament organizers to uphold neutrality, fairness and established regulations and to ensure Iranian supporters can exercise their right to attend matches.
The dispute adds to a series of challenges Iran has faced in the run-up to the World Cup amid heightened tensions with the United States, particularly after U.S.-Israeli airstrikes in late February triggered a conflict that remains ongoing.
The team was forced to move its training base from Arizona to Tijuana, Mexico, amid uncertainty surrounding U.S. visa approvals.
While players eventually received entry permits shortly before the tournament, several federation officials and support staff were denied access.
Iranian authorities have also argued that travel restrictions and visa-related hurdles have made it increasingly difficult for supporters to attend matches in the United States.
On the field, Iran has been drawn into Group G alongside Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand. The team opens its campaign against New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15, before facing Belgium in Los Angeles on June 21 and Egypt in Seattle on June 26.
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