Iran's national federation announced it can no longer hand out the World Cup tickets it received. Every squad gets 8% of stadium capacity, equating to thousands of seats. The decision comes just days before Iran face New Zealand at the Los Angeles Rams' stadium in Inglewood on June 15.

The move adds to friction between Iranian football, FIFA and host U.S. authorities after the U.S. struck Iran on Feb. 28. Iran now trains in Tijuana, Mexico, instead of Tucson, Arizona, and several federation officials lack U.S. visas. Fans in the U.S. already face a travel ban that bars entry to the tournament.

With Iran's allocation revoked, the national federation cannot distribute tickets to its diaspora, leaving thousands of supporters without a chance to watch their team in the U.S. and Seattle. The decision underscores how political tensions can spill into sport, stripping fans of access to a global event that should welcome all.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino had warned nine years ago that teams and supporters must have entry rights for a World Cup to exist. Similar visa denials have hit a Somali referee and other officials, highlighting a broader pattern of travel restrictions that threaten the tournament’s integrity.