The Iran World Cup squad is flying back to Tehran after being eliminated from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, following a campaign marred by visa disputes and travel restrictions imposed by the United States. The team is due to arrive at Mehrabad Airport at 3:30 PM local time on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, as confirmed by the Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran.
Unbeaten but Eliminated on Goal Difference
Iran finished the group stage unbeaten, with draws against Belgium, Egypt, and New Zealand. However, they failed to advance as one of the eight best third-placed teams, missing out by goal difference and finishing ninth among third-placed sides. In their final match against Egypt, defender Shojae Khalilzadeh thought he had scored a late winner, but the goal was disallowed, sealing Iran's exit.
Visa Denials and Cross-Border Travel
The team faced significant logistical hurdles throughout the tournament. Their training base was originally planned for Tucson, Arizona, but was moved to Tijuana, Mexico, shortly before the competition. All three of Iran's group matches were held in the United States, requiring the squad to cross the border for each fixture. According to manager Amir Ghalenoei, the team was forced to leave the US immediately after each game and return to Mexico, leaving no time for recovery.
Eleven members of Iran's delegation, including logistics staff, were denied US visas. Captain Mehdi Taremi criticized FIFA for failing to resolve the issue, stating, "Since the beginning, it's a disaster World Cup. FIFA have to solve every problem here but unfortunately this they couldn't solve since the beginning." Taremi noted that the visa denials would have impacted the team in later rounds, questioning how it was possible that key personnel were missing.
US Officials Boast About Visa Refusals
Following Iran's elimination, US Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin publicly boasted about refusing visas to members of the Iranian delegation. Ghalenoei described the team as "the most oppressed team in the World Cup," adding, "They are making the situation more and more difficult, facing us with more hurdles, but we're not going to let that stop us from doing our best."
FIFA President's Efforts and Call for Change
Ghalenoei acknowledged that FIFA President Gianni Infantino had tried to minimize problems but said the host nation was "not very good to us." He urged FIFA to prevent similar treatment in the future, stating, "I hope Mr Infantino will actually stand up to such behaviour."
The team's elimination was confirmed after their 0-0 draw with Egypt, leaving them with three points and a goal difference that fell short. Despite the challenges, Iran's players and staff expressed pride in their performance under difficult circumstances.
