Iran’s participation in the 2026 World Cup ended in the group stage after a 1–1 draw with Egypt in Seattle left them as the ninth-best third-placed side, one spot short of the round of 32. Needing a victory to control their own fate, Team Melli were denied by a tight offside call and could only watch as Austria’s stoppage-time goal against Algeria in the final group fixture snatched the last knockout berth. Iran had drawn all three of their Group G matches, also finishing level with Belgium and New Zealand, but three points proved insufficient in a 48-team format where eight third-placed teams advanced.

The on-field narrative was overshadowed by the logistical constraints imposed by the host nation. With the United States and Iran engaged in a military conflict that began with airstrikes in February, Washington restricted the movement of the Iranian delegation. The team’s planned base in Tucson, Arizona, was abandoned in favour of Tijuana, Mexico, and players were permitted to enter the US only 24 hours before each fixture, departing immediately afterwards. Iranian officials said the squad once arrived less than 16 hours before kick-off. Captain Mehdi Taremi described the arrangement as “not right” for professional athletes, while head coach Amir Ghalenoei called the treatment “very unfair” and urged FIFA to prevent future hosts from acting similarly.

Viewed from Washington, the restrictions were a security necessity. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin told a World Cup briefing that “almost half” of the individuals Iran sought to bring into the country had direct ties to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, a claim the Iranian football federation dismissed as “completely unsupported by any evidence.” Mullin said he was “so glad they’re gone” and that he “might’ve sung a song or two or maybe even danced a happy dance” when visas were revoked. The remarks drew a sharp response from the Iranian team’s media department, which said they revealed “a level of pettiness and narrow-mindedness” unbefitting a host nation and noted that Iranians were long accustomed to “mistreatment and lies” from US officials.

Amid the rancour, the Iranian squad left handwritten notes of gratitude in the locker rooms after their final two matches. In Seattle, the message read: “Perhaps points can be won in many ways. Perhaps a team can advance from a group, but only through fairness and honour can one stand tall before history.” The team also paid tribute to the 168 victims of an airstrike on a school in Minab in February, which the New York Times reported US military investigations had linked to American forces, wearing commemorative symbols throughout the tournament.

Iran’s squad was due to fly from Tijuana to Antalya, Turkey, before returning to Tehran. FIFA, which had already faced criticism over visa delays for a Somali referee and high ticket prices, did not immediately respond to Mullin’s comments. President Gianni Infantino, who awarded Donald Trump the inaugural “FIFA Peace Prize” in December, had previously said the organisation “cannot control everything.”