The Iranian national football team made a dramatic exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Austria's last-minute goal against Algeria dashed Iran's hopes of advancing as one of the best third-placed teams and ended their campaign in the tournament.
Iran's elimination completed a dramatic 24-hour period following a 1-1 draw with Egypt. In the match played on Friday, a last-minute goal by Iran was disallowed for offside after a VAR check.
War with the US hampered logistics
The war by the United States and Israel against Iran directly affected the logistics of the team's presence in the World Cup. Concerned about visa issues, Iran was forced to move its training camp from Arizona to Tijuana, Mexico.
The change came shortly before the tournament began, and the team was forced to leave the United States just hours after the final whistle of their matches there. Their requests to have their match schedule moved outside the country that is at war with them were not granted.
Warm welcome in Tijuana
From Iran's first landing in Tijuana, the Mexican people embraced the team. Fans filled the area around the team's hotel before and after each group match, holding posters and waiting to get autographs from the players.
The mutual affection and respect that developed over three weeks was reflected on social media and among the global online audience. Iran's media department released a message thanking the Mexican people for their hospitality.
The message, shared by Iran's embassy in Mexico, said: "We thank you for your professionalism, your support, and for reporting not only our team's sporting journey but also the unfair and unsportsmanlike treatment our delegation faced during its stay."
The message specifically thanked the residents of Tijuana for welcoming the team "with generosity and sincere hospitality." It added: "Leaving Tijuana is truly difficult for all of us. The memories we built here, the friendships we formed, and the love we received will remain forever in the hearts of every member of the Iranian national team."
Emotional farewell on social media
Iran's Ambassador to Mexico, Abolfazl Pasandideh, and the Secretary General of the Iran Football Federation, Hedayat Mombeini, met with fans and media representatives over the weekend to thank Mexico.
Iran's embassy in Sarajevo also thanked Mexico while highlighting the mistreatment by the United States: "FIFA should be more careful when selecting future host countries."
Social media users, moved by the bond between the two countries, wished Mexico well in the tournament with the support of Iranian fans. On the day of Iran's departure, fans wearing baseball caps saying "Iran, brother, now you are Mexican" bid farewell to the team in front of the hotel.
