The head of homeland security for the United States expressed satisfaction following Iran’s elimination from the World Cup. Markwayne Mullin, the secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, stated he “danced a happy dance” when Iran was no longer in the tournament.
Iran’s journey in the World Cup concluded after they missed advancing from the group stage due to goal difference. Their elimination was confirmed after a 3-3 draw between Algeria and Austria on Sunday, which left them out of the eight best third-placed teams.
Logistical Challenges and Team Frustrations
Throughout their participation, Iran faced significant logistical hurdles and travel restrictions. Their training base was moved from Arizona to Tijuana, Mexico, before the tournament began. The team was generally permitted to enter the US only on the day before their first two matches and had to depart on the same day, adhering to strict visa terms.
These restrictions were eased slightly for their final group game in Seattle, allowing them to arrive two days early. However, they were still required to return to Tijuana immediately after the match. Iran’s coach, Amir Ghalenoei, criticized the US, a co-host of the World Cup 2026 alongside Canada and Mexico, for what he described as “very unfair” treatment. He indicated that his squad received “less than half” the necessary training time.
Mehdi Taremi, Iran’s captain, echoed these sentiments, stating, “This kind of tension undermines the joy of the World Cup. I felt the tension from the first moment we arrived.” He also described it as a “disaster World Cup” in comments made after their 1-1 draw with Egypt, a result that left their chances of progressing uncertain.
Gianni Infantino, the FIFA president, visited Iran’s dressing room after their initial match, a 2-2 draw against New Zealand at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood. He conveyed a message of unity and strength to the players, telling them they were “sending a strong message to the entire world.” However, Taremi later noted that Infantino’s words felt out of touch given the ongoing difficulties, remarking, “Mr Infantino came to our changing room after the first game against New Zealand and said, ‘It’s just the beginning…’ but the group stage finishes tomorrow.”
Visa Issues and Border Incidents
Four of the 15 Iranian staff members initially denied visas were eventually granted travel rights after appealing to the State Department. Despite this, visa complications persisted, with some staff members, including Hedayat Mombeini and Mehdi Mohammad Nabi, reportedly denied entry.
Taremi himself experienced delays at border control in Los Angeles and later at Tijuana airport alongside assistant coach Saeed Alhoei, which postponed the team’s travel. These incidents highlighted the persistent challenges faced by the Iranian delegation.
The political climate, marked by US and Israeli military actions against Iran, cast a shadow over their participation. This conflict led to the relocation of their training base from Tucson, Arizona, to Tijuana. An administration official indicated that the US government would not permit the system to be abused to allow individuals who posed a security risk into the country.
Community Support in Mexico
Despite the difficulties encountered in the US, the Iranian team found a welcoming environment in Tijuana, Mexico. Fans gathered around their hotel, seeking autographs and offering support. This hospitality was acknowledged by the team’s media department and the Iranian embassy in Mexico, who expressed gratitude for the “generosity and genuine hospitality” that made the team feel at home.
The mutual affection between the team and the local community was evident, with social media posts reflecting the positive interactions. Videos showed players signing footballs and posing for photos with fans. The Iranian embassy in Sarajevo also thanked Mexico for its gracious hosting, while simultaneously drawing attention to the treatment the team faced in the US. On the day of their departure, fans wearing hats inscribed with “Iran, brother, you’re Mexican now” gathered to bid farewell to the team outside their hotel in Tijuana.
Read Also
Source: bbc.com
Mason Reed
Sports reporter covering football, basketball and international competitions.