Iran was eliminated from the 2026 World Cup on Saturday after a thrilling 3-3 draw between Algeria and Austria in Group J in Kansas City.
Iran needed either Austria or Algeria to lose its final match to advance as one of the top eight third-place teams. But the draw saw Iran finish ninth in third place in the team points table.
In their seven World Cup appearances, Iran has never progressed past the group stage.
Exit on Saturday ended a turbulent World Cup experience for Iran, which moved its training camp base from Tucson, Arizona, to Tijuana, Mexico, due to the ongoing war in the Middle East. It also faced logistical problems traveling back and forth to the United States for the three group matches.
Iran head coach Amir Ghalenoei said his team has been treated «very unfairly» as he urged FIFA president Gianni Infantino to «stand up» against the co-hosts the United States.
“It was the host who wasn’t very good to us,” Ghalenoei said after Friday’s match. «I urge FIFA not to allow the hosts to treat teams and players in the same way in the future. I hope that Mr. Infantino will actually resist such behavior.»
“I want to say to my players and the team that I am proud of them,” Ghalenoei said. “What these young people, these players did, should be written in history because the host country treated us very unfairly.
«Their behavior towards us was truly terrible and we hope that the world will be aware of that. Despite all these problems, we were able to perform well and the world is proud of the Iranians and our team. I think this is our greatest achievement, despite all the obstacles and hurdles they put in our way.»
Just like after the second group match in Los Angeles, Iran left a handwritten note in the locker room. The team thanked Seattle for its hospitality, thanked the Iranians for «their hearts, their voices» and called football a «test of character.»
With input from Reuters
Published on June 28, 2026
