Comments from US Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin after Iran’s elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup have drawn criticism, adding another layer of controversy to an already politically charged tournament.
Speaking to reporters after Iran’s group-stage exit, Mullin said he was pleased to see the team leave the United States, where several World Cup matches have been played. He remarked that he was “glad they’re done” and joked that he may have celebrated by singing and doing a “happy dance” once Iran’s delegation departed.
The secretary also claimed Iranian officials had caused more security-related work than any other participating nation during the tournament. His comments came after weeks of heightened tensions surrounding Iran’s presence at the World Cup.
Earlier in the competition, Mullin alleged that members of Iran’s travelling party had attempted to bring individuals with links to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps into the United States by presenting them as football staff. US authorities said more than 50 members of the delegation were allowed entry, while others were denied visas over security concerns.
Iran’s football federation strongly rejected those allegations, calling them false and without evidence. Following Mullin’s latest remarks, a federation official said the comments reflected continued hostility from US officials and accused the host nation of failing to uphold the standards expected during a global sporting event.
Iran’s campaign had already been overshadowed by off-field difficulties. Visa complications affected several members of the delegation, including winger Mehdi Torabi, whose participation was briefly placed in doubt because he was initially issued a single-entry visa while most teammates received multiple-entry permits.
On the pitch, Iran narrowly missed out on a place in the knockout stage after all three of their group matches ended in draws. Their fate was sealed when Austria’s late equaliser against Algeria allowed Senegal to progress on goal difference, leaving head coach Amir Ghalenoei describing his side as the tournament’s “most oppressed” team.