US Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin openly celebrated Iran's elimination from the World Cup, stating he performed a 'happy dance' upon learning the Iranian team would not advance, as reported by Sports Business Journal on Monday.
Iran's Narrow Miss and US Reaction
Iran drew all three of their Group G matches and finished as the ninth-best third-place team after Austria scored a last-minute goal against Algeria in the final group-stage match. The top eight third-place teams advanced to the round of 32, leaving Iran just short. Mullin, speaking at a World Cup security briefing in Washington, did not hide his joy, saying he was 'so glad they're gone' and 'very happy they're going back because there wasn't a single team that we dealt with more than them.'
Security Restrictions and IRGC Allegations
Amid ongoing US military and political conflict with Iran, the US government imposed strict restrictions on the Iranian soccer team's movements during the tournament. Iran had to relocate its planned training base from Tucson, Arizona, to Tijuana, Mexico. The US limited the team's time in the country before each match and required them to leave immediately after each contest. Mullin claimed that 'almost half' of the people Iran wanted to bring to the US for the World Cup were directly tied to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The Iranian federation dismissed this assertion as 'completely unsupported by any evidence.'
Iran Coach Condemns Treatment
Iran coach Amir Ghalenoei criticized the host nation's treatment of his team, calling it 'very unfair.' Speaking after Iran's 1-1 draw against Egypt in Seattle, Ghalenoei said, '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 behavior.' FIFA President Gianni Infantino is known to be close to Donald Trump, having awarded the former US president the inaugural 'FIFA Peace Prize' in December. Ghalenoei added, 'Despite all of these problems, we've been able to perform well and the world is proud of Iranians and our team. I think that's our greatest achievement despite all the obstacles and the hurdles they put in our way.'
Iran Team's Dignified Farewell
The Iranian team left notes in locker rooms after their final two matches, emphasizing dignity and fair play. After a scoreless draw with Belgium on June 21 in Inglewood, California, the note read: 'From the ancient Persia of thousands of years ago to the civilized Iran of today, the spirit of Iran remains alive and steadfast. We came to Los Angeles with pride, competed with honor, and leave with dignity.' After the Egypt match in Seattle, another note stated: 'Perhaps points can be won in many ways. Perhaps a team can advance from a group, but only through fairness and honor can one stand tall before history. Fair play is not a line in football's rules; it is the soul of the game. Thank you, Seattle, for your hospitality, and thank you to all Iranians, who gave their hearts, voices, and their whole being for Iran.'
