Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020

Iran World Cup tickets have become a major issue just days before the FIFA World Cup begins, with Iran’s football federation saying its 8 per cent fan allocation has been withdrawn before the team’s matches in the United States.

The Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran said the decision left it unable to distribute tickets to supporters who had already planned travel for the tournament.

For more World Cup coverage, read 2026 FIFA World Cup Schedule: Socceroos Dates And Full Australia Viewing Guide.

Iran Federation Questions Ticket Decision

"This is despite the fact that many Iranian football fans, relying on the officially announced process, had already made the necessary plans to attend the matches," the FFIRI added in a statement.

"There is no possibility of providing even a single ticket to the national team fans through the Federation," Fars reported, citing the Iranian football federation.

"This development raises serious questions about the interference of non-sporting and political considerations in the organisation of the world's biggest football event."

Each World Cup federation receives 8 per cent of tickets for its team’s matches, which can then be allocated to fans under its own process.

Official match and ticket information can be followed through the FIFA World Cup website.

Iran Squad Arrives In Mexico

Iran’s team arrived in Tijuana, Mexico on Sunday before three group matches scheduled in the United States.

Coach Amir Ghalenoei said the squad would have preferred to arrive earlier to adjust to the time difference.

"Normally, in tournaments like this, humanitarian and ethical considerations should come before technical matters, and I believe those considerations were not extended to us," he said after arriving at Tijuana airport.

Iran defender Ehsan Hajsafi said the team had faced "very difficult circumstances".

Visa Issues Extend To Referee

The ticket dispute comes after the United States awarded visas to Iran’s players on Friday, though Iran’s federation said some managerial and administrative staff were not granted entry.

FIFA also announced that Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan had been denied entry to the United States, ending his expected chance to become the first Somali official at a World Cup match.

"His international achievements are a source of honour and pride for the Somali people," Somalia's sports ministry said in a statement.

"I would like to thank FIFA and CAF for all their support and I promise to keep my refereeing levels up as I concentrate on the future."