Iran thanks Tijuana after leaving the World Cup and supports Mexico as "second team"
The Iranian football team thanked the people of Tijuana this Tuesday (30) for their hospitality during the World Cup, after their elimination in the group stage, stating that Mexico had become "our second home and our second team".
Political tensions between Tehran and Washington forced Iran to abandon plans to establish its World Cup base in Tucson, Arizona, and move to Tijuana shortly before the tournament.
The Iranian team was also only allowed to enter the USA the day before their games. US authorities later eased some restrictions, allowing Iran to travel two days before the final group stage match in Seattle, although the team was still required to return to its base in Mexico afterwards.
"True hospitality is based on respect, humanity and dignity. We will never forget the kindness of the people of Tijuana," the team said in a message posted on the team's WhatsApp channel.
"From today onwards, Mexico will always be more than a host country for us; it will be our second home and our second national team."
Questions about treatment
At the start of the tournament, Iran left a message in its locker room at SoFi Stadium, also thanking Los Angeles for its hospitality after hosting two of the Iranian team's Group G matches.
However, coach Amir Ghalenoei and captain Mehdi Taremi publicly criticized the measures taken during the tournament, stating that the team did not receive the same treatment as the other participants.
The statement also raised concerns about what Iran described as a lack of fair competition.
"We left this World Cup with pride, but also with a fundamental question: did all the teams actually compete under equal conditions and with the same professional standards?", said the team.
Iran did not directly mention FIFA, tournament organizers or US authorities, but referred to "a series of decisions, logistical arrangements and circumstances that undermined the sense of justice".
The country had a goal disallowed in stoppage time due to a millimeter offside in their last group game against Egypt, which would have guaranteed their place in the round of 16.
"For us, Fair Play is not a slogan printed on billboards; it is the very identity of football. However, this tournament has reminded us that there is still a significant gap between inspiring words and concrete actions," the statement reads.
However, Egypt was also praised.
"The World Cups come to an end. Leaders change. But civilizations like those of Iran, Egypt and Mexico - built on truth, respect and human dignity - endure throughout history", said the text.
Source: CNN