U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin said he celebrated Iran’s elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup after the team was knocked out following the Algeria-Austria draw in the final round of the group stage.

Speaking at the government’s Special Events Coordination Center, Mullin said he was pleased that Iran’s tournament had ended and remarked that he celebrated after members of the Iranian delegation were instructed to leave U.S. territory following their participation.

Mullin also reiterated his previous claim that more than half of Iran’s support staff were denied entry to the United States because of alleged direct ties to Iran’s Revolutionary Guard, noting that only 53 members of a delegation that usually numbers around 120 were admitted.

He added that the Iranian team faced strict logistical restrictions throughout the tournament, including holding its training camp in Tijuana, Mexico, entering the United States only one day before its opening matches, and being required to leave immediately after each game.