Iran launched harsh criticism against the United States for what it considers “humiliating” and “discriminatory” treatment towards some delegations participating in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, while praising Mexico's hospitality as one of the host countries of the tournament.

The spokesman for the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ismail Bagaei, stated on the social network

Bagaei assured that there are “concerning” reports about “inappropriate and disrespectful” treatment at entry points to the United States and contrasted that situation with “the warm and courteous welcome that the Mexican people offer to soccer teams,” highlighting that Mexico makes visitors “feel genuinely welcome and valued.”

Likewise, he maintained that "the true credibility of a host country is not measured only by sports facilities or political grandiloquence, but by the quality of the treatment provided to those who come to their country for the love of football."

The statements come in the midst of a controversy over immigration restrictions that have affected part of the Iranian delegation. Although the US authorities granted visas to the players to play in the World Cup matches, several members of the technical and administrative staff were still without authorization to enter the country days before the team's debut, according to reports from the Reuters and Associated Press agencies.

Given this situation, the Iranian team moved its operations center to Tijuana, from where it will travel to play its group stage matches in American cities. Reuters reported that Iranian federation officials reported that some managers and support staff did not receive visas, while the international press reported that Tehran called the process a politicization of the sport.

The Iranian captain, Ehsan Hajsafi, expressed his dissatisfaction with the delays in entry permits and publicly questioned the handling of the process, while coach Amir Ghalenoei stated upon his arrival in Mexico that “ethical and human” considerations should have prevailed in the organization of the tournament.

The controversy occurs in a context of strong tensions between Washington and Tehran. Various international agencies have pointed out that the bilateral relationship has complicated the logistics of Iranian participation in a World Cup organized jointly by the United States, Mexico and Canada.

The conflict between Iran and the United States in the Middle East has marked a relationship for decades characterized by economic sanctions, diplomatic ruptures and episodes of indirect confrontation.

Even in 2026, tensions in the Middle East have worsened after a new military escalation between the United States, Israel and Iran. In late February, US and Israeli forces launched a broad offensive against Iranian military targets and infrastructure, to which Tehran responded with missile and drone attacks against US and allied interests in the region. Although a temporary ceasefire was reached in April, clashes and reprisals have continued intermittently, fueling uncertainty and affecting regional security.