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Iran’s Soccer Team Says US Revoked Its Ticket Allocation Ahead of World Cup

3 0
09.06.2026

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Iran’s soccer federation says that its ability to issue tickets for the World Cup has been revoked, just days before the start of the tournament — an announcement that comes as U.S. President Donald Trump’s draconian border policies have posed hurdles for tournament participants from around the globe.

Under regulations set by FIFA, soccer’s international governing body, each team receives 8 percent of the tickets for their matches to distribute or sell to their fans. But the Iranian team has found itself unable to issue even a single ticket to its supporters.

Iran’s soccer federation blamed the U.S. for this sudden restriction, saying in a statement, “With less than three days remaining until the start of the 2026 World Cup … the United States has once again acted to obstruct the presence of Iranian supporters at the stadiums hosting the national team’s three group stage matches.”

Many Iranian soccer fans had already planned their travel in anticipation of attending the matches, the soccer federation noted.

“Depriving Iranian supporters of access to their lawful and official allocation of tickets is an action contrary to the spirit governing international competitions and the principle of equality among participating countries,” the statement said.

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“This development raises serious questions about the interference of non-sporting and political considerations in the organization of the........

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