Iran’s national football team has expressed deep appreciation for Mexico, referring to it as their “second team” after their elimination from the World Cup group stage. The team conveyed their gratitude to the people of Tijuana for their warm hospitality during a tournament marked by complex logistical challenges.
In a message shared on their official WhatsApp channel, Iran described Mexico as “our second home and our second team,” highlighting the kindness they experienced amid unusual circumstances. Initially, the Iranian squad had planned to base themselves in Tucson, Arizona, but political tensions between Tehran and Washington forced a last-minute relocation to Tijuana.
Travel restrictions further complicated their preparations, as the team was only permitted to enter the United States one day before their matches. These restrictions were later slightly relaxed, allowing arrival two days before their final group game in Seattle. Nevertheless, the team returned to their camp in Mexico following the match.
“True hosting is about respect, humanity, and dignity. We will never forget the kindness of the people of Tijuana,” the team emphasized in their statement. Earlier in the tournament, Iran had also acknowledged Los Angeles for hosting two of their Group G matches, sending a message of thanks from their SoFi Stadium locker room.
However, the campaign was clouded by internal criticism. Head coach Amir Ghalenoei and captain Mehdi Taremi openly questioned the arrangements, suggesting that Iran was not treated equally compared to other teams. The squad raised concerns about competitive fairness, asserting that logistical and administrative decisions negatively impacted their tournament experience.
“We leave this World Cup with pride, but also with one fundamental question: Did every team truly compete under equal conditions and equal professional standards?” the statement read. While not explicitly naming FIFA or US authorities, Iran alluded to “a series of decisions, logistical arrangements, and circumstances that undermined the sense of fairness.”
Their World Cup journey ended in disappointment after a controversial offside call denied them a late winning goal against Egypt in their final group match—a result that would have advanced them to the knockout stage.
Despite the frustration, Iran acknowledged Egypt’s strong performance and reflected on the broader cultural significance of football. “World Cups come to an end. Administrators change. But civilisations such as Iran, Egypt, and Mexico, built upon truth, respect, and human dignity, endure through history,” the team concluded.
