Qalibaf hails Iran’s World Cup team performance amid US restrictions

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf has praised the performance of Iran’s national football team at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, commending the players for their efforts despite the restrictions imposed by the tournament's co-host, the United States.

Qalibaf made the remarks in a message issued on Wednesday as the national team returned to Iran following its World Cup campaign.

He praised the players' "courage" and patriotism, saying they "defended the name of Iran on the grand stage of the World Cup, carried our country's national anthem to the ears of the world, and displayed the proud flag of Iran."

Qalibaf also noted that the team competed while mourning Imam Hussein (AS) and observing the rituals of Muharram, as well as grieving the martyrdom of the leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Sayeed Ali Khamenei and fellow compatriots who were assassinated during the US-Israeli aggression against Iran.

“In a situation where you were under all-out pressure, you fought with all your might and demonstrated the will, empathy, and commendable Iranian spirit,” Qalibaf said. He appreciated the “valuable efforts” of the Iranian players, the technical staff, and all those involved in the national team, saying “Return home with pride.”

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Iran remained unbeaten in the group stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup but failed to collect enough points to advance to the knockout rounds.

The team captain Mehdi Taremi described the tournament as "a disaster World Cup" because of the restrictions imposed by the United States, saying FIFA failed to address the team's difficulties.

"I mean, FIFA, they have to solve every problem here but unfortunately they could not solve it since the beginning," Taremi told a news conference on Friday after Iran's draw against Egypt.

He said the team had been left without essential support staff. "We did not have our logistics people here. We always complain about these things but no one helps. No one," he said.

His remarks came after the US administration denied visas to key members of Iran's support staff and imposed severe travel restrictions on the team.

Under the restrictions, Iran was required to return to its base in Tijuana, Mexico, immediately after each match, after its original base camp in Arizona was relocated.

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