World Cup 2026 news: Olise dazzles for France; Neymar ‘recovering well’; Iran says ticket allocation pulled – live

Published 9 June 2026 · sports

Latest news as World Cup countdown continues Player guide Bracketology Wallchart Mail Tom Staying on the “football and politics don’t mix” tip, Iran’s football federation

Latest news as World Cup countdown continues Player guide Bracketology Wallchart Mail Tom Staying on the “football and politics don’t mix” tip, Iran’s football federation (FFIRI) has said that their ticket allocation for the World Cup has been pulled, leaving supporters who had already made travel plans unable to attend their team’s matches, Reuters is reporting.

“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. “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,” the Iranian federation said in a statement.

It described the move as “contrary to the spirit governing international competitions and the principle of equality among participating countries”. “Uncertainty over Iran. Now a top referee from Africa is sent back from Miami. Bankruptcy ensured ticket prices. To rephrase a famous quote. It is not the schedule that killed the game, it is the greed!” The English or Scottish FA or EFL/SPFL should invite the banned Somali referee Omar Artan to referee a marquee game - something like the Community Shield.

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