Italy repechage to World Cup: all tickets gone, Iran furious

Another sparks between Iran and the United States, just days before the World Cup 2026 kicks off. While the situation in the Middle East has flared up again, the sports front is also once again a battleground. Iran’s soccer federation said the United States has revoked tickets allocated to it for World Cup group stage matches, accusing the host country of obstructing the presence of Iranian fans. Reporting the news is Al-Jazeera.

“Less than three days before the start of the 2026 World Cup, the United States has once again acted to hinder the presence of Iranian fans in the stadiums that will host the national team’s three group stage matches,” the Iranian Federation wrote.

The ‘Melli team’ is training in Tijuana, Mexico, and has received visas to enter the United States, although several staff members have been excluded. Now the Iranian players risk being without fans. The Iranian football federation said FIFA regulations stipulate that participating federations are allocated 8 percent of the tickets for each match for distribution to their fans through official channels.

“However, in an unexpected move, the quota allocated to the Iranian Football Federation has been revoked and, under the current circumstances, the federation is unable to provide even a single ticket to the national team’s fans,” reads the statement released by the Iranians. “The decision is contrary to the spirit governing international competitions and the principle of equality among participating countries.” Iran has asked FIFA to take action.

Iran will make its debut against New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15, and then face Belgium, also in Los Angeles, on June 21 and Egypt in Seattle on June 26.