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US Homeland Security Secretary celebrated Iran's World Cup elimination by dancing
US Homeland Security Secretary Marcoan Molen said he celebrated Iran's elimination from the 2026 World Cup with joy, even dancing and singing. An Iranian Football Federation official described the remarks as "hostile" and argued that the US failed to uphold the principles expected of a host nation.
US Homeland Security Secretary Marcoan Molen said he "danced and sang" after Iran's national team was eliminated from the 2026 World Cup.
According to The Athletic, Molen told reporters on Monday, "I was very happy that Iran was eliminated in the first round. I even danced and sang a couple of songs."
Molen also said, "I was very happy when we canceled their visas and told them they could leave US soil." The secretary summarized his stance toward Iran by saying, "There was no other team we made more trouble for."
An unnamed official from the Iranian Football Federation strongly reacted to Molen's remarks. In an assessment to The Athletic, the official said, "Iranians are used to the mistreatment and lies of US officials. So no one in Iran was surprised by these hostile statements."
The Iranian official added, "Molen's statements once again show that US officials do not abide by international law or the principles expected of a country hosting a global sports event."
"His public celebration of our elimination says more about him than our team. It reflects a shallowness that cannot even tolerate a football team competing on the world's biggest stage," the official said.
Iran was eliminated on goal difference in Group 7. A goal by Shojaei Khalilzadeh against Egypt was disallowed for offside. After Algeria and Austria drew 3-3, Iran's elimination from the tournament was confirmed.
Head coach Amir Ghalenoei had previously said his team was "the most pressured team of the tournament." Iran's movements in the US were restricted, and their training camp was moved to Tijuana, Mexico. The team could only enter the US just before matches and had to leave the country after games due to visa requirements.
The 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico, is being held from June 11 to July 19 with 48 teams participating.
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