Iran leave World Cup after warm Tijuana farewell
Iran’s World Cup exit was sealed by results elsewhere, but the team left Mexico after an unusually warm reception from fans in Tijuana.
By James Whitfield · Staff Writer
3 min read
Iran’s FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign ended Saturday after Austria’s late equaliser against Algeria pushed Team Melli out of contention for the knockout stage, Al Jazeera reported. The exit closed a tournament marked by difficult travel arrangements, political strain and a strong public welcome in Tijuana, Mexico.
According to Al Jazeera, Iran had drawn 1-1 with Egypt on Friday, leaving their progress dependent on other results. In that match, an apparent stoppage-time Iranian winner was ruled out for offside after a VAR review, denying Iran control of its path into the next round.
Austria’s draw with Algeria then removed Iran from the tournament’s group of eight best third-placed teams, Al Jazeera reported. The result ended Iran’s hopes of reaching the knockout stage.
A base in Mexico after concerns over the US
Al Jazeera reported that Iran moved its base camp from Arizona to Tijuana shortly before the tournament because of concerns over visa issues. The outlet said the war involving the United States, Israel and Iran shaped the team’s World Cup logistics.
Team Melli had to leave for Mexico within hours of full time after matches played in the United States, Al Jazeera reported. Iranian officials had repeatedly asked for their fixtures to be moved out of the US, according to the report.
In Tijuana, the team found a much warmer setting. Al Jazeera reported that fans gathered outside the team hotel before and after Iran’s trips for group-stage matches, carrying posters and waiting for players to sign autographs.
Photos and videos cited by Al Jazeera showed goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand signing for supporters, while other players signed footballs and Panini sticker books and posed for pictures. Fans also gathered near the hotel to see the team off before travel to the US for matches.
Iran thanks Tijuana
The Iranian team’s media department thanked Mexico in a message posted on X by the Embassy of Iran in Mexico, Al Jazeera reported. The post thanked Mexican residents and media for their support and said the delegation had faced “unfair and unsportsmanlike treatment” during its stay.
The message singled out Tijuana residents for making the team feel at home, according to Al Jazeera. It said leaving the city was difficult and that the memories, friendships and affection from the stay would remain with members of the national team.
Iran’s ambassador to Mexico, Abolfazl Pasandideh, and the Football Federation of Iran’s secretary-general, Hedayat Mombeini, also thanked Mexican supporters and media representatives over the weekend, Al Jazeera reported.
The Iranian embassy in Sarajevo posted its own thanks to Mexico while criticising the treatment of the team in the United States, according to Al Jazeera. The post said FIFA should take greater care in choosing future hosts and consider whether they meet humanitarian standards.
The farewell in Tijuana included fans wearing baseball caps that read, “Iran, brother, you’re Mexican now,” Al Jazeera reported. The gesture capped a three-week connection between the Iranian team and supporters in the border city.
This story draws on original reporting from Al Jazeera.