Iran's national football team has arrived in Tehran after exiting the 2026 FIFA World Cup, concluding the tournament with three draws and failing to qualify from the group stage. Despite the early elimination, fans and officials gathered to welcome the team, expressing satisfaction with their performance under manager Amir Ghalenoei. 

Political tensions between Tehran and Washington forced Iran to abandon plans to establish its World Cup base in Tucson, Arizona, and the squad had to relocate to Tijuana, a border city in Mexico, shortly before the tournament. The Iranian team were only allowed to enter the US a day before their first two games. US authorities later eased some restrictions, permitting Iran to travel two days before their final group game in Seattle, although the team was still required to return to its Mexican base afterwards.