USA security chief ‘danced a happy dance’ after Iran’s World Cup exit

By Arjun Nair / 30.06.2026

By Arjun Nair — 30 June 2026 — 3 min read

Iran’s World Cup Journey and Elimination

The United States’ head of homeland security, Markwayne Mullin, expressed his satisfaction following Iran’s elimination from the World Cup, stating he “danced a happy dance.” Iran’s tournament concluded after they failed to advance from the group stage, missing out on qualification due to goal difference. Their hopes were dashed after a stoppage-time goal against Egypt was disallowed for offside, and subsequent results in other matches confirmed their exit.

Despite a 1-1 draw with Egypt, Iran still had a chance to qualify as one of the best third-placed teams. However, their elimination was confirmed when Algeria and Austria played to a 3-3 draw. This outcome meant Iran finished as the ninth-best third-place team, with only the top eight advancing to the round of 32.

The team’s coach, Amir Ghalenoei, described his team as the “most oppressed” at the tournament, citing the context of the country’s conflict with the US and Israel. Iran’s training base was relocated from Arizona to Tijuana, Mexico, before the tournament began, and they faced travel restrictions throughout their stay.

Security Concerns and Travel Restrictions

Speaking to reporters, Markwayne Mullin, secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, stated, “I’m just glad they’re done, and they’re not coming back.” He further added, “I was so happy when we were able to pull their visas and said they could leave the US soil, and I might’ve sung a song or two or maybe even danced a happy dance.” Mullin also noted that Iran was the team that required the most attention from security officials.

Under the terms of their visas, Iran was initially permitted to enter the United States only the day before their first two matches and had to depart on the same day. These restrictions were eased for their final group game in Seattle, allowing them to arrive two days in advance, though they still had to return to Tijuana after the match.

Coach Ghalenoei criticised the host nation, stating that the US, co-hosts of the World Cup alongside Canada and Mexico, had “treated us very unfairly.” He claimed his squad received “less than half” the necessary training window for preparation. Iran captain Mehdi Taremi echoed these sentiments, remarking that the tension undermined the joy of the World Cup.

Mullin asserted that “almost half” of the individuals Iran sought to bring to the US for the World Cup were directly linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. However, the Iranian federation countered this claim, stating it was “completely unsupported by any evidence.”

Reactions and FIFA’s Role

Following Iran’s 1-1 draw against Egypt, coach Ghalenoei urged FIFA not to allow host nations to treat teams in such a manner in the future. He expressed hope that FIFA president Gianni Infantino would address such behaviour. Infantino had visited Iran’s dressing room after their opening match, a 2-2 draw with New Zealand, to offer words of encouragement.

Despite Infantino’s initial remarks, Taremi expressed frustration, noting that the FIFA president’s words about it being “just the beginning” felt out of place given the ongoing issues. Taremi highlighted the lack of recovery and logistical support, stating, “It’s not fair. Is it fair for FIFA? OK, good to them. Who wants to help us? If they want us to be out, then OK; let’s get out.”

The Iranian team left notes for the hosts after their final two matches. The note left in Seattle emphasised the importance of fair play and honour, stating, “Fair play is not a line in football’s rules; it is the soul of the game. Thank you, Seattle, for your hospitality, and thank you to all Iranians, who gave their hearts, voices, and their whole being for Iran.”

The note left in Inglewood, California, after a scoreless draw with Belgium, read: “From the ancient Persia of thousands of years ago to the civilised Iran of today, the spirit of Iran remains alive and steadfast. We came to Los Angeles with pride, competed with honour, and leave with dignity.”

Source: bbc.com