Iran football team declare Mexico ‘second team’ after exit

TEHRAN: Iran’s national football team has declared Mexico its “second team” after thanking the people of Tijuana for their hospitality following their exit from the World Cup group stage.

In a message shared on the team’s WhatsApp channel, Iran said Mexico had become “our second home and our second team,” expressing gratitude for the welcome they received during a tournament marked by unusual logistical arrangements.

The Iranian squad had been forced to relocate their World Cup base to Tijuana shortly before the tournament after political tensions between Tehran and Washington disrupted initial plans to stay in Tucson, Arizona. The team was also only allowed to enter the United States one day before their matches, with travel restrictions later slightly eased to permit arrival two days before their final group game in Seattle, though they still returned to their Mexico-based camp afterwards.

“True hosting is about respect, humanity, and dignity. We will never forget the kindness of the people of Tijuana,” the team said in its message.

Iran also sent a separate note of thanks earlier in the tournament from their SoFi Stadium locker room, acknowledging Los Angeles for hosting two of their Group G matches.

However, the campaign was overshadowed by criticism from within the camp. Coach Amir Ghalenoei and captain Mehdi Taremi both publicly questioned the arrangements, suggesting Iran had not been treated on equal footing with other participating nations.

The team also raised broader concerns over competitive fairness, saying logistical and administrative decisions had affected their experience at the tournament.

“We leave this World Cup with pride, but also with one fundamental question: Did every team truly compete under equal conditions and equal professional standards?” the statement said.

Without naming FIFA or US authorities directly, Iran pointed to “a series of decisions, logistical arrangements, and circumstances that undermined the sense of fairness.”

Their tournament ended in disappointment after a tight offside call denied them a late winner against Egypt in their final group match, a result that would have secured progression to the last 32.

Despite the frustration, Iran also acknowledged Egypt’s performance and reflected more broadly on football’s cultural ties.

“World Cups come to an end. Administrators change. But civilisations such as Iran, Egypt, and Mexico, built upon truth, respect, and human dignity, endure through history,” the statement added.