World Cup 2026: US security chief Markwen Mullen ‘happy dance’ after Iran exit

The US homeland security chief said he was “doing a happy dance” when Iran was eliminated from the World Cup.

Iran was eliminated from the qualifiers from the group stage due to goal difference A stoppage-time winner against Egypt was disallowed For a marginal offside.

Coach Amir Galenoi said his team was “the most abused” in the tournament The country’s conflict with the United States and Israel.

of Iran The training base has been switched From Arizona to Tijuana in Mexico before the World Cup started and they faced a travel ban.

Despite a 1-1 draw with Egypt on Saturday, Iran still had a chance to qualify as one of the eight best third-placed teams.

But after playing Algeria and Austria, their exit was confirmed A dramatic 3-3 draw sunday

Speaking with reporters on Monday, the secretary said Department of Homeland Security Markwen Mullin Said: “I’m glad they’re done, and they’re not coming back.

“I was so happy when we were able to pull their visas and say they could leave US soil, and I might have sung a song or two or even danced a happy dance.”

He added: “There was no team we had to spend more time with than Iran.”

Iran was allowed to enter the United States the day before their first two matches and was required to leave on the day of the game under the terms of their visas.

who Restrictions have been relaxed For their final group game in Seattle, they were allowed to arrive two days early, but had to fly back to Tijuana after Saturday’s match.

Iran coach Ghalenoi said the World Cup was co-hosted with the United States, Canada and Mexico. “We have been treated very unfairly” And his squad was given “less than half” of the training window to prepare.

Iran captain Mehdi Taremi added: “Such excitement undermines the joy of the World Cup. I felt the excitement from the first moment we arrived.”