Iran's national football team ended their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign on a bittersweet note, but found a silver lining in Mexico, where they were warmly welcomed by fans in the border city of Tijuana. The team was eliminated after Austria's late equalizer against Algeria dashed their hopes of advancing as one of the best third-placed teams.

The tournament was marked by logistical challenges and political tensions. Iran's base camp was moved from Arizona to Tijuana shortly before the tournament began due to visa complications with the US regime. The team was forced to return to Mexico within hours of each match, despite requests to relocate their fixtures outside the country engaged in what Iran described as a war against them.

Mexican fans embraced the Iranian team wholeheartedly. Crowds gathered outside the team's hotel, holding posters and seeking autographs from players. The mutual affection was widely shared on social media, with global audiences supporting Team Melli through their off-field hardships.

The Iranian Embassy in Mexico posted on X: "Thank you for your professionalism, your support, and for covering not only our team's sporting journey but also the unfair and unsportsmanlike treatment our delegation faced during its stay." The embassy also thanked the residents of Tijuana for their "generosity and genuine hospitality."

The Iranian Embassy in Sarajevo criticized the US regime's treatment of the team, stating: "FIFA should exercise greater care in selecting future host nations, ensuring they are worthy hosts and committed to humanitarian principles."

Fans wearing baseball caps with the words "Iran, brother, you're Mexican now" gathered to bid farewell to the team. The emotional departure underscored the bond formed between the two nations during the tournament.

Source: www.aljazeera.com