Iran taunts USA after World Cup humiliation Iran has mocked the United States after America's crushing 4-1 defeat to Belgium ended its FIFA World Cup campaign. The stinging response came after a US official had earlier celebrated Iran's own exit, turning football's biggest tournament into another battleground for political sparring. The latest war of words erupted after the USA's heavy loss to Belgium. A spokesperson for Iran's football federation seized the moment, declaring: "Now the whole world dances to celebrate politics' humiliating defeat to football." The remark was a direct response to comments made earlier in the tournament by US Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin. Mullin had openly welcomed Iran's elimination from the competition, saying he was delighted to see the team leave the United States. Iran finished third in its group with three points from three draws, including a 1-1 result against Egypt, ending the stage with a goal difference of zero. The team's exit prompted Mullin to celebrate publicly. According to the Mirror, Mullin said: "I was so happy when we could revoke their visas and tell them they could leave American soil. I might have sung a song or two and perhaps danced a little jig. I am very happy they are on their way home, because there was no team we had more problems with than them." After the USA's own elimination, Iran's football federation wasted little time responding. Its spokesperson said the result showed football had triumphed over politics and also referred to an earlier controversy involving USA striker Folarin Balogun. The spokesperson mentioned allegations that Balogun's red card before the Belgium match had been overturned because of pressure from Donald Trump. The article reports that the claim added another political dimension to the dispute. But Iran's frustrations during the tournament extended well beyond the verbal exchanges. Team captain Mehdi Taremi described the entire competition as a "disaster World Cup" because of what he said were repeated logistical and administrative obstacles. Iran had originally planned to establish its World Cup base in Tucson, Arizona. Those plans were abandoned, forcing the squad to relocate to Tijuana, Mexico. The delegation also faced strict travel restrictions. According to the report, the team was only permitted to enter the United States the day before matches and had to leave just hours after the final whistle. Iran also said several members of its delegation, including key physical trainers and logistical staff, were refused visas. The absences affected the team's preparations and support throughout the tournament. Speaking to The Athletic, Taremi questioned FIFA's handling of the situation. "It's a disaster World Cup; a disaster," he said. He added that FIFA should have resolved the problems but had failed to do so. Taremi also argued that Iran had not been treated fairly during the competition. "In our opinion, it's not fair. Is it fair of FIFA? OK, good for them. But it's not fair," he said. "Who will help us? If they want us out, then fine; so let us get out. But it is not fair." The exchange between Iranian football officials and senior US figures ensured political tensions remained firmly in the spotlight even after both nations had been knocked out of the tournament. Instead of ending with the final whistle, the dispute continued off the pitch through accusations, counterattacks and public statements from both sides. The episode highlighted how wider geopolitical tensions followed both teams throughout the competition, with football becoming the backdrop for a much broader political confrontation long after their World Cup dreams had ended. Iran mocks USA after crushing World Cup exit: "The whole world dances"
