Markwayne Mullin, the U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security, expressed his delight over Iran’s elimination from the World Cup, stating he did a “dance of joy” upon hearing the news. According to reports from Reuters and Sports Business Journal, Mullin mentioned, “I’m just so glad they’re done and won’t be coming back. I was so happy when we managed to revoke their visas and told them they could leave U.S. territory.”
The Iranian national team narrowly missed advancing to the knockout stages of the tournament, finishing third in Group G after drawing all three of their matches. They secured the ninth position among third-placed teams, ultimately eliminated when Austria scored a last-minute goal against Algeria in their final group match.
Restrictions on Iranian Team’s Travel to the U.S.
During a security briefing concerning the World Cup in Washington, Mullin stated, “I’m just so glad they have left and I’m very happy they are going home because there was no other team we had to deal with more than them.” The U.S. government imposed travel restrictions on the Iranian soccer team during the World Cup due to ongoing military and political tensions. Prior to the event, Iran relocated its planned training base from Tucson, Arizona, to Tijuana, Mexico, and the U.S. limited the duration of the Iranian team’s stay in the country before each match, requiring them to leave immediately afterward.
Tehran Denies Allegations Against Iranian National Team
Following their exit from the tournament, Mullin expressed his satisfaction, elaborating, “I’m just so glad they are done and won’t be coming back. I was so happy when we managed to revoke their visas… I might have sung a song or two or perhaps even danced a dance of joy.” He claimed that “almost half” of the individuals Iran wanted to bring to the U.S. for the World Cup were directly linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, a statement the Iranian federation has deemed “completely unfounded and unsupported by any evidence.”
Coach Criticizes Treatment of Iranian Team
Iran’s coach, Amir Ghalenoei, criticized the treatment of his team throughout the tournament, describing it as “very unfair”. After Iran’s 1-1 draw with Egypt in Seattle, he stated, “The hosts did not treat us well. I urge FIFA not to allow hosts to treat teams and players in the same manner in the future. I hope Mr. Infantino takes action against such behavior.” Gianni Infantino, the FIFA president known for his close relationship with Donald Trump, awarded Trump the inaugural “FIFA Peace Prize” in December.
Ghalenoei added, “America’s treatment of us has been truly horrific, and we hope the world is aware of this.” He emphasized, “Despite all these issues, we managed to perform well, and the world is proud of the Iranians and our team. I believe this is our greatest achievement, regardless of all the obstacles and barriers they placed in our way.”
Messages Left by Iranian Team in Locker Rooms
After their last two matches, the Iranian team left messages in the locker rooms of their opponents. One note left in Inglewood, California, following their goalless draw with Belgium on June 21, read: “From ancient Persia thousands of years ago to today’s civilized Iran, the spirit of Iran remains alive and unwavering. We came to Los Angeles with pride, competed with honor, and leave with dignity.” Another note left in Seattle stated: “Points can be won in many ways. A team may advance from a group, but only through fairness and honor can one hold their head high in front of history. Fair play is not a rule in football; it is the soul of the game. Thank you, Seattle, for your hospitality, and thanks to all Iranians who gave their hearts, voices, and entire being for Iran.”
