World Cup 2026, harsh accusation: "Regulations violated"

Just hours before the start of the World Cup, new controversy flares up against FIFA and the United States. This time raising his voice was Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei, who at a press conference was scathing.

“Today the tournament is jointly hosted by three countries and it is regrettable that, due to the actions of the United States, it is becoming one of the most politicized sporting events.” Baqaei went on to express appreciation for Mexico’s cooperation in hosting the Iranian national team, arguing that the behavior of the United States should be traced back to its hostility toward the Iranian people.

“A significant part of FIFA regulations and commitments made by the host country has already been violated,” Baqaei ruled. Among these violations is the failure to issue visas to a considerable number of team members who, according to FIFA regulations, should have been granted them.”

All the players were granted visas, some members of the delegation were not. These include the team manager, executive director, photographer and communications manager.

Meanwhile, the case of Somali referee Omar Artan, who was rejected at the U.S. border despite being selected by FIFA, remains an open wound. The match director had broken his silence, explaining that he wanted to look forward after his forced return to Somalia, where he was welcomed as a hero. But the affair continues to produce shockwaves, even following the words of Gianni Infantino who reiterated the position of the International Federation: “We cannot meddle in the migration policies of an organizing country.”