The Iran national football team is due to land in Tehran on Wednesday, July 1, following their elimination from the 2026 World Cup. The squad, which remained unbeaten in Group D with draws against Belgium, Egypt, and New Zealand, missed out on a place in the round of 32 by finishing ninth among third-placed teams on goal difference.
Controversial Goal Disallowed
In their final group match against Egypt, Iran defender Shojae Khalilzadeh thought he had scored a late winner that would have sent his nation into the knockout stages. However, the goal was disallowed, sparking frustration among players and fans. The draw ultimately sealed Iran's exit from the tournament.
Visa Issues and Forced Departures
Throughout the tournament, the Iranian squad faced significant logistical hurdles due to ongoing tensions between Iran and the United States. Their training base, originally planned for Tucson, Arizona, was relocated to Tijuana, Mexico, shortly before the competition. This arrangement meant the team had to cross the US-Mexico border repeatedly, as all three of their matches were held on American soil.
According to the Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran, the squad was forced to leave the United States immediately after each game, returning to their Tijuana base. Eleven members of Iran's delegation were also refused US visas, preventing them from entering the country.
Manager's Criticism
Iran manager Amir Ghalenoei publicly criticized the treatment of his team. After the opening match against New Zealand, he stated: "They didn't even give us time to recover. After the game today, they said to us, 'You have to leave immediately.' It's very important for us to have time for recovery, but we are asked to get on a plane and return to our camp in Tijuana, and we are really troubled by that. They delayed our arrivals, and they are forcing us to go back early without time for recovery."
Ghalenoei added: "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. That's why I think we are the most oppressed team in the World Cup."
US Official Boasts About Visa Denials
Following Iran's elimination, United States Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin openly boasted about refusing visas to members of the Iranian delegation. The move drew criticism from FIFA and human rights groups, who argued that political tensions should not interfere with sporting events.
Captain Taremi's Concerns
Before Iran's elimination was confirmed, captain Mehdi Taremi highlighted the impact of the visa issues on the squad. He said: "Since the beginning, it's a disaster World Cup. FIFA, they have to solve every problem here but unfortunately this they couldn't solve since the beginning. Mr Infantino came to our changing room after the first game and he said, 'It's just the beginning'. But the group stage finishes tomorrow and we don't have our logistic people here, they don't have a visa. How is that possible?"
Ghalenoei's Plea to FIFA
After the final group match, Ghalenoei urged FIFA to prevent similar treatment in future tournaments. He said: "I know Mr Infantino has tried his best to minimise the problems as much as possible but it was the host that wasn't very good to us. I urge FIFA to not let the hosts treat teams and players the same way in the future. I hope Mr Infantino will actually stand up to such behaviour."
The Iranian squad is scheduled to land at Tehran's Mehrabad Airport at 3:30 pm local time (1 pm UK time) on Wednesday, July 1, ending a controversial and challenging World Cup campaign.
