U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin expressed clear satisfaction with Iran's early World Cup exit, stating he was 'so happy' when authorities pulled their visas. During a security briefing, Mullin admitted feeling relieved that Iran 'are not coming back' to U.S. soil for the tournament.

Iran's participation faced uncertainty after February airstrikes by the U.S. and Israel, though they ultimately competed in Group stage matches across Los Angeles and Seattle. The team drew all three group games and were controversially denied a win against Egypt by a marginal offside decision in their final match.

Coach Amir Ghalenoei complained his side was the 'most oppressed' at the World Cup, citing restrictions that required immediate departure after each match. Mullin confirmed this was pre-arranged with FIFA, claiming nearly half of Iran's non-playing delegation had ties to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

The diplomatic tensions overshadowed Iran's on-field performance, where they finished winless in Group stage play. Mullin's comments reveal the political undercurrents that complicated Iran's tournament experience beyond football matters.