FIFA World Cup 2026: US Homeland Security Secretary says he is "Glad" after Iran's WC exit
New York, July 1
Following Iran's FIFA World Cup elimination, U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin said he was pleased the team had left the United States, adding that he celebrated after their visas were revoked and they departed the country.
Iran's participation in the tournament had been in doubt for months after the United States and Israel launched airstrikes on the country in February.
"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.
In their last group-stage match against Iran, Mahmoud Sabre gave the Pharaohs the lead after Mohamed Salah's effort was parried, before Ramin Rezaeian equalised for Iran after Mehdi Taremi had earlier seen his penalty saved by Mostafa Shobeir.
Ramin Rezaeian was named Player of the Match, but Iran's late push for victory ended in frustration when a stoppage-time goal was ruled out for offside following a VAR review.
— ANI
Reader Comments
I get the geopolitical tensions, but celebrating visa revocations? That's just petty. Football is about the beautiful game, not government ego. Iran's team showed resilience by setting up base in Mexico and still competing. They drew with Egypt, Belgium, and another team—that takes guts. Mullin should focus on actual security threats, not a football team. 😤
As an Indian, I've seen how sports can be caught in political crossfire. But this is different—a government official openly celebrating a team's exit? That violates the spirit of FIFA and the World Cup. Iran had to move their camp to Mexico because of US visa issues. Imagine if India hosted and we did this to Pakistan or China? The hypocrisy is real. Football lost today. 🤷♂️
I'm not defending Iran's regime, but the players are just athletes doing their job. They trained hard, drew all three matches, and showed skill. Rezaeian's goal was class. For a US official to "sing a song" because they're gone? That's embarrassing for America. Reminds me of how Indian politicians sometimes talk about Pakistan in cricket—it doesn't help anyone. Grow up, Mr. Mullin.
This makes FIFA look weak. If they're going to host a World Cup in the US, they need to guarantee teams' safety and fair treatment. Iran had to move their camp to Mexico! That's not normal. And now the Homeland Security boss is gloating? What next, will they ban fans from certain countries? Sports should be above politics. As an American, I'm disappointed. 🇺🇸💔
T We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.