Iran Criticizes U.S. Conduct Ahead of 2026 World Cup

TEHRAN — Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson sharply criticized the United States on Monday regarding its conduct as a co-host for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, citing concerns over discrimination and mistreatment of athletes.

The statement marks an escalation in diplomatic rhetoric surrounding the tournament, which is scheduled to be held across three North American nations. The Iranian official emphasized that international sporting events must not serve as platforms for discriminatory practices or the mistreatment of participants from any nation.

Spokesperson Nasser Kanaani addressed the issue during a regular press briefing at the ministry headquarters in Tehran. He stated that Iran expects all co-hosting nations to uphold principles of fairness and equality, warning against using the global stage to advance political agendas that undermine athlete welfare.

The United States is set to share hosting duties with Canada and Mexico for the 2026 tournament, marking the first time three countries will jointly host a World Cup. The event has drawn significant attention regarding security protocols, visa processes, and accommodation standards for international delegations.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry did not specify particular incidents that prompted the criticism but framed the remarks as a preemptive measure to ensure compliance with FIFA regulations concerning player rights and non-discrimination. Kanaani noted that history shows sporting events can be compromised when host nations fail to maintain neutrality or allow political bias to influence operations.

The United States State Department has not yet issued an official response to Tehran’s comments. However, U.S. officials have previously highlighted the country's commitment to hosting a safe and inclusive tournament for all participating teams and fans.

FIFA representatives are expected to monitor diplomatic tensions closely as preparations accelerate toward next summer. The organization maintains strict guidelines regarding political neutrality during its competitions but has not commented on specific national criticisms directed at host nations prior to kickoff.

The criticism comes amid broader geopolitical friction between Tehran and Washington, which have maintained strained relations for decades over nuclear negotiations and regional security concerns. Sports diplomacy often becomes a focal point in such disputes, with both sides using international events to signal their positions on global governance.

As the countdown begins toward June 2026, questions remain regarding how diplomatic spats will impact team preparations or fan travel logistics between Iran and North America. FIFA has yet to announce specific protocols for managing political objections from member associations during the tournament period.