Time to go home: Iran's World Cup dream ends after Austria's last-gasp equalizer sends them out
Uncertainty over visas and Iran's conflict with the US meant the team had to commute from their tournament base in co-host Mexico to the United States for their three group games
Assessment
Iran's World Cup exit, sealed by a stoppage-time goal from Austria, caps a tournament defined by off-field disruption. The team's unusual commute between Mexico and the United States, forced by visa complications tied to US Iran tensions, drained energy and focus from their campaign. The loss ends not just a match but a grueling logistical ordeal.