Iran out of World Cup as US senator celebrates and federation fires back

Iran out of the World Cup, US official celebrates

Your tournament is over. Iran eliminated from the World Cup at the group stage (1) (2) (3) (4) (5). The details of the final match and the full group standings are not yet available, but the exit is confirmed and the fallout is already political.

Iran hits back after US senator's 'happy dance'

Senator Markwayne Mullin said he was "so happy" Iran got knocked out of the World Cup (2) (3). The Iranian football federation did not stay quiet.

"Iranians are used to the mistreatment and lies of US officials, so no one in Iran is surprised by these hostile remarks," an FFIRI spokesperson said (3). "These remarks once again demonstrate that US officials have no commitment to international law or the principles expected of a host nation capable of organising a global sporting event" (3).

Captain Mehdi Taremi had already said Iran's treatment by FIFA was unfair (1).

Mexican fans gave Iran a send-off in Tijuana

Small consolation. When Iran's team left Tijuana on Tuesday, Mexican supporters gathered to cheer them (4). The squad departed under acclamations from the local crowd, a rare show of warmth in a tournament that felt hostile (4).

Japan went out fighting

Brazil 2–1 Japan in the last 32 (5). Mitoma, Endo, Minamino and Kubo all featured, and Japan pushed Brazil hard, but they are going home too (5). For Asian football, this World Cup has been bleak (5). Iran is not the only team asking questions.