Nigeria, June 7 -- Iran has criticised the United States over the alleged denial of visas to some members of its football delegation ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The Iranian national team is set to make its seventh World Cup appearance, but ongoing diplomatic tensions between Tehran and Washington have continued to cast a shadow over its participation in the tournament, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada.

Reports emerged that some Iranian football officials were denied entry visas to the US, prompting a strong reaction from the Iranian Embassy in South Africa.

In a post on X, the embassy described the US as an "incompetent host" and accused it of failing to meet its obligations as a World Cup host nati...