FIFA World Cup 2026: Iran President Accuses US Of 'Bending Rules' & 'Cheating'

Fresh controversy has engulfed the FIFA World Cup 2026 after Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian accused host nation the United States of "bending rules", "bullying rivals", "creating obstacles" and "cheating", linking disputes surrounding the tournament to Washington's broader foreign policy while criticism over officiating and organisation continues to mount.

Pezeshkian has launched a sharp attack on the United States over the handling of the FIFA World Cup 2026, accusing the host nation of manipulating the tournament amid a series of controversies that have overshadowed the knockout stage.

In a post on X, Pezeshkian drew parallels between the ongoing World Cup disputes and what he described as Washington's broader foreign policy approach.

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

His remarks came in the wake of Egypt's dramatic 3-2 Round of 16 defeat to defending champions Argentina, a match that reignited debate over refereeing decisions and FIFA's handling of the tournament.

Egypt, Balogun controversies fuel criticism of FIFA

Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan accused FIFA of favouring Argentina and captain Lionel Messi after his side squandered a two-goal advantage.

A second-half goal by Mostafa Ziko was ruled out following an on-field VAR review, with officials ruling that an infringement around 20 seconds before the ball entered the net invalidated the goal.

The decision proved to be a turning point in the match and further inflamed tensions on the Egypt bench. During the closing stages, Hassan was seen raising his arms above his head in an "X" shape — FIFA's anti-racism signal introduced in 2024 that enables players and coaches to report alleged racist incidents. If validated, the gesture can ultimately lead to a match being suspended or abandoned.

The controversy followed another high-profile dispute involving United States forward Folarin Balogun. After being sent off against Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Round of 32, Balogun's automatic one-match suspension was later suspended by FIFA under Article 27 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, making him eligible for the Round of 16 clash against Belgium.

The decision drew widespread criticism after US President Donald Trump disclosed that he had spoken to FIFA president Gianni Infantino to "review" Balogun's suspension before FIFA formally announced its decision.

Iran also raises concerns over tournament organisation

Iran had previously expressed concerns over the organisation of the tournament despite remaining unbeaten during the group stage but failing to qualify for the knockout rounds.

Captain Mehdi Taremi criticised FIFA's travel arrangements following Iran's draw with Egypt, describing the schedule as "a disaster" after the team was required to return immediately to its base camp in Tijuana, Mexico, after matches.

Iran's World Cup campaign was also affected by geopolitical tensions, visa-related issues and extensive travel demands, with players and officials repeatedly voicing dissatisfaction over the tournament's organisation.

(With inputs from ANI)