News ID : 329257
Publish Date : 7/8/2026 5:18:29 PM
Pezeshkian: US bullying at World Cup mirrors Washington's foreign policy

Pezeshkian: US bullying at World Cup mirrors Washington's foreign policy

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian says the US has turned the 2026 FIFA World Cup into another arena for bullying and political pressure, saying Washington's conduct as host reflects the same policies it pursues around the world.

In a message posted on social media platform X on Wednesday, Pezeshkian said the US government's conduct as World Cup host reflected its long-established foreign policy.

"The U.S. government's conduct as World Cup host follows its familiar foreign policy: bending rules, humiliating rivals, creating obstacles, and cheating. This is their MAGA playbook. Iran rejects such games. We stand firmly for our rights," he wrote. 

Washington imposed sweeping travel restrictions on Iran's national team, forcing the squad to remain at its training base in Tijuana, Mexico throughout the tournament.

The team was allowed to enter the US only shortly before matches and was required to leave within 24 hours after each game, restriction that no other participating nation faced.

Iran strongly condemned both the US and FIFA over the measures, saying the restrictions violated the principles of fairness and equal treatment expected of a World Cup host.

Washington also came under heavy criticism after US President Donald Trump personally interceded with FIFA President Gianni Infantino over the suspension of US striker Folarin Balogun.

Balogun was ultimately cleared to play against Belgium despite having received a red card, a decision that sparked condemnation from football officials and observers.

More than 30 members of the European Parliament called for an investigation into possible pressure from the Trump administration over FIFA's handling of the Balogun case, saying that the organization's political neutrality and the integrity of the World Cup have been compromised.


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