The Iranian national soccer team boarded a flight out of Mexico on Tuesday, closing a World Cup campaign that was as much about geopolitics as it was about goals.
A Bond Across Borders
Fans gathered at the airport, among them Mohammad Modarres, who had traveled from San Diego to say goodbye, expressing pride despite the team’s failure to advance beyond the group stage.
The tournament was marked by off‑field distractions, including a U.S. refusal to grant visas for several staff members and a public comment by Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin that the players described as a breach of international law.
Coach Amir Ghalenoei, while acknowledging the disappointment of a missed knockout round, highlighted the team’s heart, noting that their spirit remained anchored in Tijuana where they were warmly received.
On the pitch, goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand made seven saves to preserve a scoreless draw against Belgium, and Ramin Rezaeian’s striking from the outside of his boot salvaged a point against New Zealand.
The squad also wore pins bearing the number “168,” a tribute to the children killed in a missile strike on an elementary school, and left a handwritten note in their locker room at Los Angeles Stadium calling for peace among all nations.
Siavash Khosrowshahi, an Iranian‑American who drove from Los Angeles to Tijuana, met several players and described the experience as a bridge between diaspora communities.
Head coach Amir Ghalenoei later reflected that the bonds forged with Mexican supporters would endure, and that the team was already looking ahead to the AFC Asian Cup in six months.