Iran football team returns to Tehran after World Cup elimination

Iran’s national football team returned to Tehran on Saturday after completing its campaign at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America. The squad touched down at Imam Khomeini International Airport around 14:30 local time, having finished the tournament with two defeats and a draw in Group B, which saw them exit at the group stage. The team’s itinerary included matches against the United States, Mexico, and Saudi Arabia, with the final game against Saudi Arabia ending in a 1‑1 stalemate that secured Iran’s sole point of the competition.

Upon arrival, the players were met by representatives of the Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran (FFIRI) and a small contingent of media personnel. Officials briefed the press on the team’s performance, highlighted the experience gained by the younger members, and outlined plans for upcoming qualification matches for the Asian Cup and the next World Cup cycle. The federation indicated that a technical review will be conducted to assess coaching strategies and player development ahead of future international fixtures.