Iran national team thanks Mexico, demands equal treatment in tournament

Iran's national team thanked the city of Tijuana, Mexico for its hospitality after being eliminated in the group stage of the 2026 World Cup in the United States. The team stated it could not compete on equal terms throughout the tournament and called for justice.

Scraper SystemJuly 01, 2026, 09:35 AM

Iran national team thanks Mexico, demands equal treatment in tournament

Iran's national team published a message of thanks to the city of Tijuana, Mexico after being eliminated in the group stage of the 2026 World Cup. The team announced that Mexico has become their second home and that they consider the Mexican national team as their second team.

In the tournament held in the United States, Iran was only granted entry into the country one day before its first two matches. US authorities increased travel restrictions to two days before the last group match in Seattle, but Iran still had to return to its camp in Mexico after the match.

The message published on the team's WhatsApp channel read: "True hospitality is about respect, humanity and dignity. We will never forget the kindness of the people of Tijuana." The statement also said: "Fair play is not just a slogan printed on billboards; it is the essence of football's identity. But this tournament reminded us that there is still a great distance between inspiring words and meaningful actions."

Iran also praised Egypt. The statement said: "World Cup tournaments end. Officials change. But civilizations based on truth, respect and human dignity, such as Iran, Egypt and Mexico, are enduring throughout history."

Earlier, during the tournament, Iran left a message of thanks to the city in the locker room after playing two matches in Los Angeles.

Head coach Amir Ghalenoei and team captain Mehdi Taremi had publicly stated that their team was not treated equally during the tournament. Iran also reacted to a goal scored in second-half stoppage time in its third match against Egypt, which would have taken them to the last 32, being disallowed for offside.

The national team said: "We leave this World Cup with pride, but with a fundamental question: Did all teams really compete under equal conditions and equal professional standards?" questioning the fairness of the competition. Iran did not name FIFA or US officials but pointed to "a series of decisions and logistical arrangements that weaken the sense of justice."

Iran national team thanks Mexico, demands equal treatment in tournament