Key facts
- Iran's World Cup campaign concluded without reaching the knockout stage.
- Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson stated the team endured "inhumane and unprecedented pressures."
- US authorities imposed visa restrictions and limited travel for the Iranian delegation.
- Iran's coach described the US government's treatment of the squad as "terrible."
- Iran's ambassador to Mexico highlighted the team's professionalism despite challenges.
Iran's national football team has been eliminated from the World Cup, prompting praise from the country's Foreign Ministry for enduring significant pressures. Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei stated that "neither did restrictions become an excuse, nor did pressures lead to submission," referring to what he called "inhumane and unprecedented pressures."
Iran's campaign was marked by travel difficulties imposed by US authorities, including visa restrictions and limitations on movement. The team had to travel into the US for all three group-stage matches, with US authorities requiring them to enter and leave the country on the same day. Iran coach Amir Ghalenoei described this treatment as "really terrible."
Despite these challenges, Iran's ambassador to Mexico, Abolfazl Pasandideh, told Politico that the team "repeatedly demonstrated its ability to stay focused and perform at the highest level, even under adverse circumstances." He added that the "professionalism shown by the players and coaching staff in the face of these challenges has been paramount."
The team's exit came after a dramatic final group game where a late Austrian equalizer against Algeria dashed Iran's hopes of advancing. Iran had originally planned to base themselves in Arizona but moved to Tijuana, Mexico, due to security concerns and travel complications stemming from a US executive order that had previously included Iran on a list of countries subject to entry bans. FIFA President Gianni Infantino reportedly mediated between Washington and Tehran to ensure Iran's participation.