Speaking at a weekly briefing, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said the treatment of the Iranian delegation during the tournament did not align with the basic principles of hosting international sporting events. He argued that the team operated in a heavily politicised environment throughout the competition.

Iran claimed that several technical staff members and football federation officials were denied visas, which it said disrupted preparations and administrative planning. The spokesperson also criticised accommodation arrangements, saying the team was placed in locations far from match venues, creating unnecessary logistical difficulties.

Baghaei further condemned remarks attributed to US Homeland Security Secretary Mark Wayne Mullin, saying public comments celebrating Iran’s exit from the tournament were inconsistent with the spirit of international sport.

The Iranian side also alleged that visa restrictions and administrative barriers affected travel for players and staff before the tournament, despite which the team reportedly performed without a loss in the group stage.

Head coach Amir Ghalenoei also echoed concerns after elimination, saying the team faced unusual challenges in preparation, training camps, and travel. He added that such conditions should not be repeated for any participating team in future tournaments.

Despite remaining unbeaten in the group stage, Iran failed to advance to the next round after results in other groups went against it, ending its World Cup campaign narrowly short of qualification for the knockout stage.