Iran national football team held a public send-off ceremony in Tehran on Wednesday before travelling for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada. Players appeared on a stage at Enghelab Square as supporters waved flags and chanted in front of state television cameras.
The squad arrived wearing matching red and black tracksuits. Head coach Amir Ghalenoei joined the ceremony alongside Iran football federation president Mehdi Taj.
“The national team players in the World Cup will represent the people, the country’s fighters, the leader and the country,” Taj said during the event.
“Our national team is the national football team of wartime,” he added. “The team will be a pillar of authority and resistance.”
Supporters carried placards and pictures linked to Iran’s recent conflict during the gathering. Some banners called on players to sing the national anthem “with firmness and without hesitation”.
Iran will stay in Tucson, Arizona during the tournament. Team Melli will play New Zealand national football team, Belgium national football team and Egypt national football team in Group G.
Iran open their World Cup campaign against New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15.
The tournament will mark another World Cup appearance for Iran after the country secured qualification earlier in the Asian qualifying programme.
