Following Iran’s national team exit from the World Cup group stage, US Homeland Security Secretary Marc Warne Marlin made headlines by publicly stating he was “thrilled” the Iranian squad would no longer be in the country. Speaking at a World Cup security briefing, Marlin didn’t hold back.
“I’m just so glad they’re done playing and won’t be coming back,” Marlin said with little restraint. “When we revoked their visas and told them to leave US soil, I was absolutely thrilled. I might have even hummed a tune or danced a little.”
The comments drew an immediate and fierce backlash from Tehran. On the evening of June 30, Iranian Foreign Minister Araghzi took to social media to share the news, addressing Marlin directly. “You’ve shown the world that you are utterly unqualified to host international events,” Araghzi wrote. “Your behavior is a textbook example of how to squander the dignity a host nation is supposed to uphold.”
That same day, Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Baghaei joined the criticism during a press conference. “It is outrageous that a US Cabinet minister could openly celebrate and dance with joy because Iran failed to advance,” Baghaei stated. “This exposes extreme malice from the US side and completely violates all norms of hospitality and international custom.”
Baghaei further described this World Cup as the most politically charged sporting event of the year, noting that the Iranian team faced the most politically motivated treatment of any squad.
Throughout the tournament, the Iranian team faced significant logistical hurdles due to US restrictions. They were barred from conducting pre-match training on US soil, allowed to enter the country only one or two days before games, and required to leave immediately after. Consequently, they were forced to base themselves in Tijuana, Mexico, a city right on the US border.
Iran’s head coach, Amir Ghalenoei, had previously criticized these conditions, labeling his team the “most oppressed” at the World Cup. In response, officials like Marlin argued in security briefings that the travel time from Tijuana to Los Angeles is only 45 minutes, dismissing Iran’s complaints as “unreasonable.”
Marlin also claimed that, recognizing Iran’s concerns about potential harassment at US customs, the administration had implemented special measures to ensure smooth entry and exit—measures not extended to any other team.
Despite the friction and unfair treatment, Iran’s team maintained their composure. After their second group match, they left a note in the locker room at the Los Angeles stadium, thanking the city and stating they had fought for honor and left with dignity.
On the pitch, Iran’s performance saw them draw with New Zealand, Belgium, and Egypt. Finishing third in their group and ninth overall, they narrowly missed out on the knockout stages.
On June 30, the Iranian squad departed from their hotel in Tijuana to return home. Local reports indicated they would fly via Turkey before reaching Iran. Before leaving, Coach Ghalenoei expressed his gratitude to the local people. He noted that both the players and the delegation felt the warmth and friendliness of the Mexican community, promising that this World Cup experience would remain a cherished memory for them.
