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US Homeland Security secretary says he danced and sang over Iran's World Cup exit
US Homeland Security Secretary Marcoan Molen said he welcomed the elimination of Iran's national team from the 2026 World Cup with joy, even dancing and singing. An Iranian Football Federation official described the remarks as "hostile," arguing that they show the US does not adhere to the principles expected of a host nation.
US Homeland Security Secretary Marcoan Molen said he "danced and sang" in response to the elimination of the Iranian national team from the 2026 World Cup.
The Athletic reported that Molen told reporters on Monday, "I was very happy that Iran was eliminated in the first round. I even danced and sang a couple of songs."
Molen also said, "I was very happy when we canceled their visas and told them they could leave US soil." The secretary summarized his stance toward Iran with the words, "There was no other team we dealt with more than them."
An unnamed official from the Iranian Football Federation strongly reacted to Molen's remarks. In an assessment to The Athletic, the official said, "Iranians are accustomed to the mistreatment and lies of US officials. So no one in Iran was surprised by these hostile remarks."
The Iranian official added, "Molen's statements once again show that US officials do not comply with international law or the principles expected of a country hosting a global sports organization."
He said, "His public celebration of our elimination from the cup says more about him than our team. It reflects a shallowness that cannot even tolerate a football team competing on the world's biggest stage."
Iran was eliminated from Group 7 on tiebreakers. A goal scored by Shojaei Khalilzadeh against Egypt was disallowed for offside. After Algeria and Austria drew 3-3, Iran's elimination from the tournament was confirmed.
Coach Amir Ghalenoei had previously said his team was "the most pressured team of the tournament." Iran's movements in the US were restricted, and the training camp was moved to Tijuana, Mexico. The team could only enter the US just before matches and had to leave the country afterwards due to visa requirements.
The 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico, is being held from June 11 to July 19 with 48 teams participating.
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