Iran National Team Faces Visa Hurdles for 2026 World Cup in US
The Iran national football team is conducting pre-World Cup training in Turkey amid significant visa uncertainties for the 2026 tournament in the United States. Following recent military strikes and heightened geopolitical tensions, US visas remain unissued for the squad. FIFA officials are meeting with Iranian representatives in Istanbul to reassure them of their participation, despite diplomatic strains and entry bans for some officials. While Iran seeks logistical solutions like local fingerprinting, FIFA insists on keeping matches in the US, highlighting the complex intersection of international sports and ongoing Middle East conflicts.
Editorial summary awaiting refresh
Cross-source coverage
Wire timeline
Iran Celebrates USA World Cup Elimination with Statement Targeting Trump
Iran's Football Federation issued a statement celebrating the United States' 4-1 World Cup loss to Belgium, declaring that 'the whole world is dancing to celebrate politics' humiliating defeat by football.' The USMNT was eliminated on home soil, prompting the Iranian response after US Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin had earlier expressed joy over Iran's group-stage exit. The statement references ongoing political tensions: Iran was denied visas for 11 staff members, forced to relocate its base camp from Arizona to Mexico, and restricted to one-day travel for US matches. The article frames the sporting event as a proxy for geopolitical rivalry between Iran and the Trump administration.
Mirror - FootballIran's World Cup Farewell Letter Questions Fairness, Thanks Mexico
Following their elimination from the 2026 World Cup, the Iranian national team left a three-page handwritten letter expressing gratitude to Mexico and the city of Tijuana while questioning the tournament's fairness. Iran drew all three group stage matches in Group G and finished as the 9th best third-place team, missing the knockout stage. Due to tense US-Iran relations, the team was unable to set up camp in the US as originally planned and had to base themselves in Tijuana, Mexico, commuting across the border during the tournament. Iran stated this logistical arrangement affected their preparation and recovery. In the letter, they praised Mexico's hospitality, calling it 'respect, humanity, and dignity,' but raised fundamental questions about whether all teams competed under equal conditions, citing decisions and external circumstances they experienced as undermining the competition's sense of fairness.
虎扑 - 足球Iran World Cup team arrives home after being forced to leave US immediately after elimination
The Iran national football team arrived in Tehran on July 1, 2026, after being eliminated from the 2026 World Cup. The squad drew all three group matches against Belgium, Egypt, and New Zealand but missed the round of 32 on goal difference. Manager Amir Ghalenoei's team faced significant travel obstacles amid US-Iran tensions: their training base was moved from Arizona to Tijuana, Mexico, forcing repeated border crossings. Eleven delegation members were denied US visas. The team was ordered to leave the US immediately after each match, preventing proper recovery. A late goal by defender Shojae Khalilzadeh that would have sent Iran through was disallowed. US Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin boasted about the visa denials, and security officials sent a parting remark after Iran's exit. Ghalenoei criticized the treatment, saying they were not given time to recover.
Mirror - FootballTrump minister provokes Iranians with 'dance of joy' after World Cup elimination
US Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin celebrated the Iranian national football team's elimination from the 2026 World Cup, claiming he 'sang songs' and 'did a dance of joy' when their visas were revoked. The Iranian team was forced to base camp in Tijuana, Mexico, instead of the US due to the Middle East war and entry restrictions, arriving only shortly before each match. Coach Amir Ghalenoei criticized the treatment, calling Iran 'the most oppressed team' and appealing to FIFA. The Iranian football federation condemned Mullin's remarks as 'hostile' but noted they are accustomed to 'bad treatment' from US officials.
BILD - SportIranian National Team Bid Farewell in Tijuana After World Cup Elimination
More than a hundred fans gathered outside the Marriott Hotel in Tijuana, Mexico, on June 30, 2026, to bid farewell to the Iranian national football team after their elimination from the 2026 World Cup. The team had set up their base camp in Tijuana due to U.S. government restrictions under President Donald Trump, which prevented them from staying and training within American borders. Supporters waved Iranian flags and chanted 'Iran, brother, you are already Mexican!' as players signed autographs and took photos. Team members expressed gratitude, stating their 'heart and soul' would remain in Tijuana and that they left with 'pride' after three draws against Egypt, Belgium, and New Zealand. Iran's ambassador to Mexico, Abolfazl Pasandideh, criticized the U.S. restrictions as violating FIFA regulations by mixing sports with political disputes.
Fútbol2026 World Cup: Iran team leaves Tijuana to cheers from Mexican fans
The Iranian national football team, narrowly eliminated from the 2026 World Cup after an undefeated group stage, departed Tijuana, Mexico on Tuesday to a warm send-off from approximately 150 Mexican fans. Supporters gathered outside the team's hotel, chanting 'Iran, my brother, you are now Mexican!' and seeking autographs. Coach Amir Ghalenoei expressed gratitude through a Spanish interpreter, stating that while the team was leaving, 'our heart and soul remain here.' Iran remained unbeaten in Group G with draws against New Zealand, Belgium, and Egypt, accumulating three points. However, they were eliminated in a suspenseful finish when Austria snatched a late draw against Algeria, denying Iran a historic knockout stage appearance. The team faced numerous non-sporting challenges, including visa issues and extended travel, due to conflicts between Iran and the United States, where the tournament matches were held.
Home Football - actualitésUS Homeland Security Chief Taunts Iran After World Cup Elimination
US Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin publicly celebrated Iran's elimination from the 2026 World Cup, stating he revoked their ESTA visas and 'danced a happy dance' upon their exit. Iran was eliminated after a 1-1 draw with Egypt and a 95th-minute equalizer in the Algeria-Austria match. Iran's coach Amir Ghalenoei and captain Mehdi Taremi had previously complained about unfair treatment, including forced relocation of their training base from Arizona to Mexico and travel restrictions. Mullin's comments further strained US-Iran relations amid the backdrop of geopolitical tensions.
Mirror - Football2026 World Cup: US Homeland Security Chief Celebrates Iran's Elimination
According to a report by the Sports Business Journal, U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin expressed being 'thrilled' and 'delighted' by the Iranian national team's elimination from the 2026 World Cup. Mullin went so far as to claim he 'may have sung or danced' following the end of Iran's participation. The comments came amid a tense backdrop where Iran's delegation faced significant administrative hurdles, including difficult visa processes, restrictive travel, and accommodation conditions. The Iranian team had considered taking action with FIFA, alleging unfavorable treatment, before being eliminated in the group stage of the tournament.
Foot Mercato : Info Transferts Football - Actu Foot TransfertUS Homeland Security Secretary 'So Happy' With Iran's World Cup Elimination
US Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin expressed delight over Iran's elimination from the 2026 World Cup, stating he was 'so happy' and might have 'sung a song or two' after the team was eliminated. Iran was knocked out after three consecutive group-stage draws, narrowly missing the knockout rounds. The team's participation was already controversial following US and Israeli airstrikes on Iran in February 2026. During the tournament, Iranian officials complained of unfair treatment by US authorities, claiming they were required to leave US soil immediately after each match and were ultimately forced to relocate their training base from Arizona to Tijuana, Mexico. Mullin acknowledged the travel restriction was a pre-arranged agreement with FIFA. Iran's coach Amir Ghalenoei had earlier labeled his team the 'most oppressed' at the World Cup.
Football | The GuardianUS Homeland Security Chief Says He 'Danced a Happy Dance' After Iran's World Cup Elimination
US Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin stated he 'danced a happy dance' after Iran was eliminated from the 2026 World Cup. Iran failed to advance from the group stage after a stoppage-time winner against Egypt was disallowed for offside, and their elimination was confirmed following a draw between Algeria and Austria. Iran's participation was marked by diplomatic tensions; they were forced to train in Tijuana, Mexico, instead of Arizona, faced strict visa restrictions allowing entry only on match days, and had to leave the US immediately after games. Iran's coach, Amir Ghalenoei, accused the US of unfair treatment, saying his squad received less than half the training time needed. Mullin expressed satisfaction that Iran was 'done and not coming back,' and stated no other team required as much attention from his department. Iran captain Mehdi Taremi said the tensions undermined the joy of the World Cup.
BBC SportDHS Secretary Celebrates Iran's World Cup Exit with 'Happy Dance' Amid Political Tensions
U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin publicly celebrated Iran's elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, stating he performed a 'happy dance' upon learning the team was eliminated. Iran finished group play with three draws and failed to advance after Austria scored a last-minute goal against Algeria. The U.S. government had restricted the Iranian team's movements due to ongoing military and political conflict, limiting their time in the country and requiring exit after each match. Iran's coach Amir Ghalenoei criticized the treatment as 'very unfair' and urged FIFA to prevent hosts from behaving similarly in the future. Mullin claimed nearly half of Iran's delegation was linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, a charge the Iranian federation denied. The team left notes in locker rooms emphasizing Persian pride and dignity.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.US Homeland Security Secretary Delighted by Iran's Elimination from World Cup
The US Secretary of Homeland Security, Markwayne Mullin, expressed joy over Iran's elimination from the 2026 World Cup during the group stage, where Iran finished as the ninth-best third-place team. Mullin stated he was 'thrilled they're gone' and even celebrated their departure with a song and dance. The article highlights that Iran faced unusual conditions during the tournament, including visa denials that forced the team to move its base camp to Mexico, and a 24-hour stay limit for matches in the US. Mullin alleged that nearly half of Iran's delegation had ties to the Revolutionary Guards. Iran subsequently filed a complaint against FIFA, claiming it was the 'most mistreated team in the World Cup.' The tensions are rooted in the ongoing war between the US-Israel coalition and Iran since February.
Foot - actualités, mercato, info & vidéo en continuU.S. Homeland Security Secretary says he did a 'happy dance' after Iran knocked out of World Cup
U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin publicly celebrated Iran's elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, stating he did a 'happy dance' and 'sung a song or two' after Iran drew all three group games and was knocked out. Mullin, speaking at a World Cup briefing, said he was 'very happy they're going back' and referenced the revocation of visas for the Iranian team. The comments escalate an ongoing rift, as Mullin had previously accused Iran of trying to sneak in a person with ties to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, a claim Iran's Football Federation called 'false and fabricated.' An FFIRI official responded that the remarks 'say far more about him than it does about our team' and reflect a 'level of pettiness' from U.S. officials. Iran had faced logistical difficulties during the tournament, including being forced to train in Tijuana, Mexico, and being required to leave the U.S. after each match.
Soccer - The AthleticU.S. Homeland Security Secretary Celebrates Iran's World Cup Exit, Drawing Iranian Ire
U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin publicly celebrated Iran's elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, saying he performed a 'happy dance' and sang songs after the team was knocked out. Speaking at a World Cup briefing, Mullin expressed satisfaction that Iran was 'done' and 'not coming back,' referencing earlier visa issues and allegations against the team. An official from the Iran Football Federation (FFIRI) condemned the remarks as 'petty' and indicative of U.S. hostility, accusing American officials of violating international law and failing to fulfill host nation obligations. Iran had faced repeated logistical difficulties, including forced training changes from Arizona to Mexico, denied visas for staff, and required departures from the U.S. after each game. The comments escalate an ongoing rift between Mullin and the Iranian delegation.
Soccer - The AthleticIran's Team Complains of US Interference After World Cup Elimination
Iran's national football team was eliminated from the 2026 World Cup after three draws, but captain Mehdi Taremi accused the US host and FIFA of creating unfair conditions. The article reports that the US government, which is at war with Iran, allowed the team to enter but imposed severe restrictions: the team was not allowed to stay in the US, prepared in Mexico, and was only permitted to travel into the US for matches. Key staff, including medical personnel, were denied visas. Taremi called the treatment a 'disaster' and questioned FIFA's role in allowing the distortion of competition. The author argues this is unprecedented interference in a sporting event by a host nation, and notes Iran left undefeated despite the unequal conditions.
taz.de - taz.deIran Captain Taremi Blasts FIFA and US Over World Cup Conditions
Mehdi Taremi, captain of the Iranian national football team, strongly criticized FIFA and the United States following a 1-1 draw with Egypt in the 2026 World Cup. Taremi claimed the tournament is 'a disaster' and that FIFA has done nothing to address problems, despite promises from President Gianni Infantino. He cited travel disruptions, immigration checks before matches, and forced relocation from Seattle to Tijuana as evidence of unfair treatment. The striker, who missed a penalty in the match, stated he believes organizers want Iran eliminated. Iran sits third in their group with three points and must wait for other group results to know if they advance.
Fútbol en AS.comIran Captain Taremi Calls World Cup a Disaster, Blasts FIFA and Infantino
Iran national football team captain Mehdi Taremi has heavily criticized FIFA, calling the 2026 World Cup 'a disaster' due to persistent travel and visa problems stemming from the conflict between Iran and the United States. Speaking after a draw with New Zealand and a match against Egypt, Taremi stated that FIFA failed to resolve logistical issues, leaving Iran's support staff without visas and forcing last-minute changes from a US base camp to Mexico. He revealed that FIFA President Gianni Infantino visited the team's locker room after the first match with a dismissive comment—'This is just the beginning of the World Cup'—yet the problems continued. When asked if he believes the US and FIFA want Iran eliminated, Taremi affirmed, 'Yes, I think they do.' The article, sourced from football365 via Hupu, highlights the political and administrative challenges faced by the Iranian team during the tournament.
虎扑 - 足球Iran Accuses FIFA of Conspiracy Over World Cup Elimination Fears
Iran's national football team has sharply criticized FIFA and its president Gianni Infantino, accusing them of accelerating Iran's elimination from the 2026 World Cup. After a 1-1 draw against Egypt, captain Mehdi Taremi claimed FIFA and US authorities deliberately hindered Iran's campaign, citing logistical problems such as visa delays for staff and forced long travel from their Tijuana base. Taremi said Infantino promised to fix issues but did nothing, calling the World Cup 'a disaster.' Coach Amir Ghalenoei also denounced 'very unfair' treatment, saying the US prevented the team from arriving two weeks earlier to prepare. On-field frustration grew when a stoppage-time goal was disallowed via VAR for a marginal offside. Taremi, who missed a penalty, stated he would take blame if Iran is eliminated, though the team still hopes to qualify as one of the best third-placed teams.
Foot Mercato : Info Transferts Football - Actu Foot TransfertIran Captain Mehdi Taremi Calls World Cup 'Catastrophic' and Criticizes FIFA
After Iran's 1-1 draw with Egypt in the group stage, captain Mehdi Taremi launched a blistering attack on FIFA and its organization of the World Cup. Taremi stated, 'This is a catastrophic World Cup,' accusing FIFA President Gianni Infantino of failing to solve logistical problems despite promising to do so. Iran was forced to set up its base camp in Tijuana, Mexico, while all three of its group matches were held in the United States. U.S. authorities did not allow the Iranian delegation to spend the night on American soil, requiring same-day travel back and forth for each match. Taremi emphasized that as a professional player in a professional competition, these conditions are unacceptable. With the draw, Iran is close to elimination in Group G and must await other results to know their fate.
Foot - actualités, mercato, info & vidéo en continuIranian Player Taremi Calls World Cup a 'Disaster', Accuses FIFA of Inaction
After Iran's 1-1 draw with Egypt in the final group match of the World Cup, Iranian striker Mehdi Taremi gave a frustrated interview calling the tournament 'a disaster.' He claimed Iran was treated unfairly, particularly regarding travel arrangements. Taremi stated that FIFA President Gianni Infantino visited the team's locker room after the first match and promised to solve their problems, but did nothing. The core grievance involves visa issues: several Iranian team members were initially denied visas by the United States, only receiving them at the last moment. Iran was forced to base itself in Mexico, while all three group matches were played in the U.S., requiring the team to enter the U.S. the day before each match and leave the night after. Taremi expressed that as professional players, the conditions were unfair and unreasonable.
虎扑 - 足球