Iran Football Team Thanks Mexico, Questions Fairness of 2026 World Cup

Iran’s national football team has thanked the people of Mexico for their hospitality while raising concerns about what it described as unfair treatment during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The message was released before the squad departed the Mexican border city of Tijuana following its tournament campaign.

In its farewell statement, the team expressed appreciation to the residents of Tijuana for their warm welcome and support throughout its 24-day stay. The players said the experience demonstrated that hosting a World Cup is about more than stadiums and ticket sales, highlighting the importance of local hospitality and human connection.

The statement also renewed the team’s criticism of the tournament, questioning the fairness of its treatment during the competition. While no specific incidents were detailed in the message, the remarks reflected the team’s dissatisfaction with aspects of its World Cup experience as it concluded its stay in Mexico.