KANSAS, JUN 28: Iran was knocked out of the FIFA World Cup 2026 after a thrilling 3-3 draw between Algeria and Austria in the Group J in Kansas City on Saturday.
Iran needed one of Austria or Algeria to lose its final game to progress as one of the eight best third-place teams. But the draw meant Iran finished finished ninth in the third place teams points table.
In its seven World Cup appearances, Iran has never progressed past the group stages.
Exit on Saturday brought the curtains down on a turbulent World Cup experience for Iran, whiich moved its training camp base from Tucson, Ariz., to Tijuana, Mexico due to the ongoing war in the Middle East. It also faced logistical issues traveling back and forth to the United States for its three group matches.
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Iran head coach Amir Ghalenoei said his team has been treated “very unfairly” while urging FIFA president Gianni Infantino to “stand up” to the co-host United States.
“It was the host that wasn’t very good to us,” Ghalenoei said after Friday’s match. “I urge FIFA to not let the hosts treat teams and players the same way in the future. I hope Mr. Infantino will actually stand up to such behavior.”
“To my players and the team, I want to say to them I’m proud of them,” Ghalenoei said. “What these young people, these players have done, it should be written in history because the host country treated us very unfairly.
“Their behavior towards us has been really terrible and we hope the world will be aware of that. Despite all of these problems, we’ve been able to perform well and the world is proud of Iranians and our team. I think that’s our greatest achievement despite all the obstacles and the hurdles they put in our way.”
As they did following its second group match in Los Angeles, Iran left a handwritten note in its dressing room. The team thanked Seattle for its hospitality, thanked Iranians for “their hearts, their voices,” and mentioned football being a “test of character.”
