Mullin Says He Pulled Iran's Visas After 2026 World Cup Exit
Updated
Updated · bbc.co.uk · Jun 30
Mullin Says He Pulled Iran's Visas After 2026 World Cup Exit
3 articles · Updated · bbc.co.uk · Jun 30
Summary
Markwayne Mullin said he "danced a happy dance" after Iran were eliminated and added he was glad the team could leave U.S. soil after their visas were pulled.
Iran went out on goal difference after a stoppage-time winner against Egypt was ruled offside, with a 3-3 Algeria-Austria draw on Sunday sealing their exit.
Mullin said no team required more U.S. government attention than Iran, whose players were initially allowed into the U.S. only the day before matches and had to leave the same day.
Iran's camp had already been moved from Arizona to Tijuana before the tournament, and coach Amir Ghalenoei said the team was treated unfairly and given less than half its needed preparation time.
The dispute underscored how U.S.-Iran tensions spilled into the 2026 World Cup, with captain Mehdi Taremi saying the atmosphere undermined the tournament's joy.