Homeland Security Chief Celebrates Iran's World Cup Exit with Unapologetic Glee

U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin expressed unrestrained joy over Iran's exit from the World Cup, declaring he did a “happy dance,” according to reports.

The Iranian team narrowly missed advancing to the knockout stage, finishing as the ninth-best third-place team after drawing all three matches in Group G. Their fate hinged on Austria's last-minute goal against Algeria, which sealed their elimination.

Mullin's exuberance was evident during a World Cup security briefing in Washington, where he stated he was “so glad they’re gone” and expressed relief that they would not return, citing the Iranian team as the most challenging to deal with.

Amid ongoing military and political tensions, the U.S. government imposed restrictions on the Iranian soccer team's movements during the tournament. Iran shifted its training base from Tucson, Arizona, to Tijuana, Mexico, due to these limitations.

The U.S. government restricted the Iranian team's time in the country before each match and mandated their immediate departure after games.

Following the briefing, Mullin remarked, “I’m just glad they’re done, and they’re not coming back. 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 claimed that “almost half” of those Iran sought to bring to the U.S. for the World Cup had ties to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, a statement that the Iranian federation dismissed as lacking evidence.

Iran's coach Amir Ghalenoei criticized the treatment of his team during the tournament, calling it “very unfair.”

After a 1-1 draw against Egypt in Seattle, Ghalenoei stated, “It was the host that wasn’t very good to us. I urge FIFA to not let the hosts treat teams and players the same way in the future. I hope Mr. Infantino will actually stand up to such behavior.”

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has close ties to Donald Trump, having awarded him the inaugural “FIFA Peace Prize” in December.

Ghalenoei further lamented that the United States’ treatment of his team was “really terrible” and expressed hope that the world would recognize this. He emphasized that despite these challenges, the Iranian team performed admirably, stating, “the world is proud of Iranians and our team.”

After their final two matches, the Iranian team left notes for their hosts. One note in Inglewood, California, following a scoreless draw with Belgium read: “From the ancient Persia of thousands of years ago to the civilized Iran of today, the spirit of Iran remains alive and steadfast. We came to Los Angeles with pride, competed with honor, and leave with dignity.”

The note left in Seattle stated: “Perhaps points can be won in many ways. Perhaps a team can advance from a group, but only through fairness and honor can one stand tall before history. Fair play is not a line in football’s rules; it is the soul of the game. Thank you, Seattle, for your hospitality, and thank you to all Iranians, who gave their hearts, voices, and their whole being for Iran.”