The Iranian national soccer team has departed from Mexico, concluding its World Cup journey which was punctuated by disputes with U.S. officials, notable athletic moments, and disappointment over failing to advance from the group stage. The team's return to Iran comes amid ongoing conflict with Israel and the United States.
Fans expressed pride in the team's performance, viewing it as a source of hope. "I think even though they lost, it gave people a sense of hope," said Mohammad Modarres, a fan who traveled from San Diego to see the team off.
Iran's progression in the tournament hinged on the outcome of a match between Algeria and Austria. The team celebrated when Algeria took the lead in stoppage time, only to fall silent when Austria equalized, ending Iran's hopes of advancing. Disappointments during the tournament also included a late goal being disallowed due to an offside call in their final match against Egypt.
Pre-Tournament Tensions
Before and during the tournament, the team faced numerous distractions. These included questions about their participation due to Iran's conflict with the U.S. and Israel, a denied request to move matches to Mexico, a relocation of their base camp from Arizona, and the U.S. refusal to grant visas to key Iranian staff members. The U.S. also initially rejected Iran's request to travel to the U.S. for matches, though some restrictions were eased for their final game.
Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin stated that the U.S. had accommodated Iran's travel requests and asserted that some individuals Iran wished to bring had ties to Iran's Revolutionary Guard. Mullin's comments, expressing relief at Iran's elimination, drew a strong response from the Iranian team. In a statement, the team described Mullin's remarks as a display of "lack of commitment to international law" and "pettiness."
The Iranian team thanked Mexico and Tijuana for their hospitality but criticized their treatment by the U.S. during the tournament, stating that a "series of decisions, logistical arrangements, and circumstances undermined the sense of fairness."
Player Statements and Fan Support
Members of the Iranian diaspora held divided opinions on supporting the team, with some seeking to separate sports from politics. The team, while avoiding direct commentary on the ongoing war, drew attention to victims of a missile strike on an elementary school, wearing pins with the number "168" and leaving a note calling for peace. Sherry Ghaemi, an Iranian living in Los Angeles, praised this stand as "honorable."
Despite the external pressures, the team delivered notable athletic performances, including goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand's saves against Belgium and Ramin Rezaeian's equalizer against New Zealand. "They’re going home not as losers, they’re going home as winners. We’re proud of them," Ghaemi said.
Fans like Siavash Khosrowshahi found personal connections through the team, managing to connect his mother in Tehran with goalkeeper Beiranvand. The team also forged a bond with the host city, with fans chanting "Iran, brother, now you are Mexican!" in Tijuana.
"Iran is taking home the best of our country, and this city, which is the way in which outsiders are received," said Arely Ramírez, a Tijuana resident.
Head coach Amir Ghalenoei expressed that the team's heart would remain in Tijuana. As the team departed, many players appeared somber, though some still signed autographs and took photos.
Supporters are already looking towards future competitions, such as the AFC Asian Cup, as opportunities for the team to succeed.