Iran, Iran!' Iranian WC squad serenaded on return home

Iran, Iran! The Iranian World Cup squad returned to Tehran with a warmer welcome than they had received on arrival in the United States, following a run that nearly reached the knockout stages. At Tehran’s airport on Wednesday, several hundred children, parents, and supporters chanted “Iran, Iran!”, waved national flags, and celebrated “Team Melli” as the flight from Turkey landed. After finishing third in their group with three draws, Iran missed the round of 16 only because they were not among the eight best third-placed teams on goal difference. The crowd’s enthusiasm intensified when goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand, hailed for a scoreless draw against Belgium, apologized to fans for not qualifying. Defender Ramin Rezaeian cited U.S. immigration restrictions as a factor that complicated their path. Despite finishing third, Iran’s tournament was also shaped by the ongoing war involving Iran, the United States, and Israel, including a shift of their base camp from Tucson to Tijuana.