Iran thanked the people of Tijuana for their hospitality after their World Cup exit on Tuesday, saying Mexico had become the team’s “second home and second team” after spending the tournament based across the border because of travel restrictions.
Iran had planned to set up camp in Tucson, Arizona. Political tensions between Tehran and Washington forced the team to change those plans shortly before the tournament. The squad moved to Tijuana instead.
The travel rules also affected Iran’s preparations.
The team could only enter the United States one day before each match. Officials later relaxed the restrictions ahead of the final Group G game in Seattle. Iran were allowed to arrive two days before kick-off but still had to return to their base in Mexico after the match.
In a message posted on the team’s WhatsApp channel, Iran thanked the people of Tijuana.
“True hosting is about respect, humanity and dignity. We will never forget the kindness of the people of Tijuana.
“From this day forward, Mexico will always be more than a host nation to us. It will be our second home and our second team.”
Earlier in the tournament, Iran also thanked staff at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles after playing two Group G matches there.
The statement also questioned the conditions under which the team competed.
Head coach Amir Ghalenoei and captain Mehdi Taremi both criticised the travel arrangements during the tournament.
They said Iran had not been treated in the same way as other teams.
The statement did not name FIFA, tournament organisers or United States authorities.
Instead, it asked whether every team had competed under the same conditions.
“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?”
Iran also said “a series of decisions, logistical arrangements and circumstances” had undermined the sense of fairness during the tournament.
The team came close to reaching the knockout stage.
An injury-time goal against Egypt was ruled out for offside in the final group match. The decision denied Iran a place in the last 32.
The statement added:
“For us, Fair Play is not a slogan printed on advertising boards. It is the very identity of football. Yet this tournament reminded us that there is still a significant distance between inspiring words and meaningful actions.”
Iran ended the message by praising both Egypt and Mexico.
“World Cups come to an end. Administrators change. But civilizations such as Iran, Egypt and Mexico, built upon truth, respect and human dignity, endure through history.”
