Iran Celebrates USA's World Cup Elimination
The United States was eliminated from the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the Round of 16, with Iran's Football Federation celebrating what it characterized as vindication after allegations that US President Trump pressured FIFA to overturn discipli
Iran's national football team has taken a satisfying revenge after the United States was knocked out in the Round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The entire world is celebrating the humiliating defeat of the USA, the tournament host that had performed well from the start, who has suddenly become football's villain. The controversy escalated after FIFA agreed to change the red card punishment for Florian Balogun to a one-year suspension instead of an immediate ban as is customary. The situation became even more heated when the global football community learned that US President Donald Trump was behind this controversial decision, having called FIFA President Gianni Infantino to request a review of the US team's Round of 16 match. The USA, which did everything off the pitch to secure victory, was defeated 1-4 by Belgium, despite having a top striker who received special privileges to play in this game.
Now it is Iran's turn to settle the score with the United States decisively. Iran's Football Federation posted: "The whole world is dancing in celebration." This echoes back to when US Secretary of Defense Mark Wahlberg mocked Iran, saying he almost sang and danced when Iran was eliminated in the first round.
"Now the entire world is dancing to celebrate the shameful defeat of 'politics' against 'football'," the Iran Football Federation stated through its representative.
Earlier, Iran had already responded, saying: "Iranians are accustomed to unfair treatment and lies from US officials. Therefore, no one in Iran is surprised by these malicious remarks. These words show once again that US officials have no commitment to international law or the principles expected of a host nation capable of organizing a world-class sporting competition. Their overt celebration of Iran's elimination says much more about them than about our team. It reflects a pettiness that is unacceptable, even to the existence of a single football team participating in the world's greatest sporting arena. After our match against New Zealand, our head coach said that the US does not want Iran to continue in this tournament because our team faces inhumane and unprofessional treatment. These recent comments only serve to reinforce that belief."
