FIFA World Cup 2026: Proving you can't host international tournament, says Seyed Abbas Araghchi on Mullin's remarks on Iran's WC exit
Tehran, July 1
Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi strongly criticised U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin's comment welcoming Iran's departure from the United States after the World Cup.
Araghchi accused him of undermining the spirit of international sport and said the conduct demonstrated that the U.S. was unfit to host a global tournament.
"Mission Accomplished," Mr Mullin. You also accomplished something else: proving to the world that you have no business hosting an international tournament. Your conduct has been a masterclass for how to squander the dignity that comes with being a host," Araghchi wrote in an X post.
His remarks came after Mullin said he was pleased that Iran had left the United States, adding that he celebrated after their visas were revoked and they departed the country.
"I'm just glad they're done, and they're not coming back. I was so happy when we were able to pull their visas and said they could leave the U.S. soil, and I might've sung a song or two or maybe even danced a happy dance," Mullin said as per ESPN.
Iran's participation in the FIFA World Cup 2026, jointly hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico, came amid ongoing geopolitical tensions involving the United States and Israel.
Iran also moved their World Cup base camp from Arizona to Tijuana in Mexico before the start of the tournament, following uncertainty surrounding travel and entry arrangements in the United States.
Iran's FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign saw them draw all three of their group-stage matches, but they were eliminated after finishing third in Group G behind Belgium and Egypt, and also missing out on qualification as one of the best third-placed teams.
— ANI
Reader Comments
As an Indian, I feel this exposes the hypocrisy of US foreign policy. They preach about sportsmanship but then dance when a team leaves? Aur bhai, this is not how you host a World Cup. The spirit of football should be above such petty politics. ⚽
While Mullin's comments are definitely insensitive, I think both sides are using this for propaganda. The real issue is that politics keeps interfering with sport. India has faced similar boycotts and visa issues before. Sports should be a bridge, not a battlefield. 😔
Honestly, this is embarrassing for the US. You invite a team to play in your country, make them move their base to Mexico due to visa issues, then celebrate when they leave? Talk about poor hospitality. India would never treat visiting athletes this way, we believe in 'Atithi Devo Bhava'. 🙏
Mullin's 'happy dance' comment is so unprofessional. Imagine if an Indian minister said this about a Pakistani team? The world would be outraged! The US always lectures others about human rights and fair play but look at their own conduct. Hypocrisy at its peak...
As someone who follows football closely, I'm disappointed. The Iran team played well and drew all their matches, they deserved respect. But I also understand the geopolitical context - Iran's regime is problematic. However, the players and fans shouldn't suffer for that. Sports should unite us! 🌍⚽
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