Iran's foreign minister lashes out at US official who cheered Iran's World Cup exit

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi lashed out at US Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin after Mullin publicly celebrated Iran's group-stage elimination from the 2026 North America World Cup.

Araghchi posted on social media platform X on Monday (local time), addressing Mullin directly: "Mission accomplished. You've done yet another thing — proved to the entire world that you are not fit to host an international tournament."

He added that Mullin's conduct was "a prime example of how a host country can throw away the dignity it is supposed to uphold."

The previous day, Mullin told reporters he was thrilled that Iran would be leaving US soil, saying he "might have sung a song or done a happy dance" upon hearing the news of Iran's elimination.

Iran finished the group stage with three draws against New Zealand, Belgium and Egypt but failed to advance to the round of 32.

The Donald Trump administration drew controversy throughout the tournament over what critics called unfair treatment of the Iranian national team.

US authorities denied visas to a number of Iranian team staff members, citing security concerns, and the squad was barred from setting up a base camp in the United States. The team was forced to stay in Tijuana, Mexico, crossing the US border only on match days to play their games.

Iran head coach Amir Ghalenoei said the United States "dealt with us very unfairly."