Iran’s World Cup ticket allocation dispute has intensified days before the national team’s opening match against New Zealand, with Iran’s football federation saying its official quota for supporters was revoked before the team’s U.S. group-stage games.

The Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran, known as FFIRI, said on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, that Iranian fans were being denied access to the federation’s official ticket allocation. The federation said FIFA rules provide participating national associations with 8% of available match tickets for distribution to supporters.

Iran Fans Face World Cup Ticket Allocation Dispute

FFIRI said sales through the official process had already begun before the allocation was withdrawn. The federation called the move unfair and urged FIFA to uphold neutrality, equal treatment and tournament regulations.

The dispute comes as Iran prepares for a politically sensitive World Cup campaign in the United States. Iran’s team had planned to train in Tucson, Arizona, but later shifted its base to Tijuana, Mexico, amid visa and safety concerns.

Some members of Iran’s football delegation have also reportedly faced U.S. entry issues, increasing concerns over the team’s preparations and fan access before the tournament.

Iran Opens Against New Zealand at SoFi Stadium

Iran is scheduled to play New Zealand at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, on Monday, June 15, 2026, at 6:00 PM local time. Iran is also grouped with Belgium and Egypt.

The ticket dispute adds another layer of scrutiny to the FIFA World Cup 2026, where sporting access, diplomatic tensions and tournament neutrality are now part of the wider conversation around Iran’s group-stage matches.