**Iran Criticizes FIFA Over Alleged Discrimination by the US Ahead of 2026 World Cup**
The Iranian national football team has lodged a formal complaint with FIFA, alleging systemic discrimination by the United States, one of the co-hosts of the upcoming 2026 World Cup. Mahdi Mohammadnabi, the team's manager, expressed concerns that the US is not fulfilling its obligations to ensure fair treatment for all participating teams.
The 2026 World Cup will be a historic tournament, co-hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico, with the majority of matches scheduled to take place in the United States. Mohammadnabi highlighted specific grievances related to travel and preparation conditions for the Iranian team, which he claims are not on par with those afforded to other national squads.
In a statement to Iran’s IRIB broadcaster, Mohammadnabi pointed out that Iranian players are subjected to travel restrictions that limit their arrival at match venues to just one day before their games. In contrast, other teams are typically allowed to arrive two days in advance, providing them with additional time to acclimatize and train. This disparity, he argued, could significantly impact the performance of the Iranian players during the tournament.
“We have officially notified FIFA of these issues and requested an explanation,” Mohammadnabi stated, referring to the travel and visa-related restrictions that the Iranian team is facing. He criticized FIFA's response as inadequate and emphasized the expectation that the governing body would ensure that the protocols communicated to the host nation are fully implemented for Iran.
Mohammadnabi, who also serves as the vice president of the Iranian Football Federation, called for FIFA to take a more proactive approach in addressing these concerns. He expressed hope that the organization would uphold its responsibilities and ensure equitable treatment for all teams participating in the World Cup.
The complaints from Iran come amid broader scrutiny of US entry policies related to the tournament. Reports indicate that a Somali referee selected for the World Cup was denied entry despite possessing valid documentation. Additionally, players, officials, and supporters from various countries have encountered challenges such as extensive screening, visa delays, and outright refusals.
The Iranian team's grievances have surfaced at a time when US and Iranian delegations are engaged in discussions in Switzerland, aiming to resolve ongoing tensions between the two nations. These diplomatic efforts had previously raised questions about Iran's participation in the World Cup.
As the tournament approaches, FIFA is also facing criticism beyond the issues raised by Iran. Concerns have been voiced regarding the rising costs of tickets, expensive concessions at stadiums, and the introduction of mandatory hydration breaks, which some observers argue have become commercialized rather than focused solely on player safety.
As the situation develops, the Iranian national team and its supporters will be watching closely to see how FIFA responds to their complaints and whether the organization will take steps to ensure fair treatment for all teams during the World Cup.