Iranian President Criticizes US Over World Cup Controversy Amid Rising Tensions

Iranian President Masoud Pashakian used the controversy surrounding the 2026 World Cup to sharply criticize the United States, accusing the US administration of cheating, rule-bending, and humiliating rivals. His remarks came amid escalating tensions between Tehran and Washington, following recent US military strikes on Iranian targets and ongoing Iranian attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz.

Pashakian linked the US conduct as World Cup host to its broader foreign policy, stating, "The behavior of the American administration as the World Cup host reflects its familiar foreign policy: bending rules, humiliating rivals, creating obstacles, and cheating." He emphasized Iran's rejection of such games and affirmed Iran's firm stance on its rights.

This statement follows the uproar over FIFA's decision to rescind the red card of US team striker Polarin Balogon, a move reportedly influenced by then-US President Donald Trump, who admitted to contacting FIFA's president to review the case. The decision sparked accusations of political interference and favoritism toward the host nation.

Although Pashakian did not explicitly mention Trump or the Balogon case, his comments clearly connected US actions in the World Cup to its foreign policy approach. The remarks coincided with reports of explosions in Bushehr, Iran, and alarms in Bahrain, underscoring the heightened regional security situation.

As the conflict between the US and Iran intensifies, Pashakian seized the World Cup controversy to deliver a broader critique of US conduct both in sports and geopolitics.