United States Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin has said he was pleased to see Iran eliminated from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, revealing that he “danced a happy dance” after the team’s exit from the tournament.
According to People, Mullin made the remarks during a World Cup briefing at the government’s Special Event Coordination Center on Monday, following Iran’s elimination in the group stage.
Iran finished third in Group G after drawing all three of its matches. Although the team still had a chance of progressing as one of the best third-placed sides, Algeria’s 3-3 draw with Austria ended its hopes of reaching the Round of 32.
Speaking about Iran’s departure, Mullin said:
“I’m just glad they’re done, and they’re not coming back.”
He added:
“I was so happy when we were able to pull their visas and said they could leave the U.S. soil, and I might’ve sung a song or two or maybe even danced a happy dance.”
Mullin said he was “very happy” to see the Iranian team leave the tournament, claiming it was the delegation that required the most attention from U.S. authorities.
The comments drew a swift response from the Iran Football Federation, with an official telling The Athletic that Iranians were accustomed to what they described as hostile remarks from U.S. officials.
During the tournament, Iran’s squad faced strict travel restrictions due to ongoing tensions between the two countries. The team was only allowed into the United States shortly before its matches and was required to return to its base in Tijuana, Mexico, immediately after each game.
Mullin had also alleged that members of Iran’s delegation attempted to bring an individual with ties to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) into the United States, an accusation the Iran Football Federation described as “false, fabricated and entirely baseless.”
Following the team’s elimination, Iran coach Amir Ghalenoei criticised the treatment of his players, saying they had been treated “unfairly” during the competition, while captain Mehdi Taremi said the heightened security measures had undermined the spirit of the World Cup.
