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Iran’s US-bound World Cup squad given public sendoff in Tehran
TL;DR
Iran's FIFA World Cup squad received a grand sendoff in Tehran, attended by thousands of fans. The team will travel to Turkiye for training before heading to the United States for the tournament.
Key points
- Iran hosted a departure rally for its FIFA World Cup squad
- Thousands of fans attended the event in Tehran's Enqelab Square
- The team will travel to Turkiye for training before the World Cup
- Iran's World Cup 2026 kit was unveiled at the sendoff
- Mehdi Taj praised the event as the best sendoff in four campaigns
Mentioned in this story
TehranTurkiye
FIFA World Cup 2026Iran National Football Team
Iran hosted a departure rally for its FIFA World Cup squad, witnessed by thousands of fans in Tehran’s Enqelab Square, amid concerns about the team travelling to the United States to compete.
The players were cheered by the crowd as they made patriotic statements from a stage on Wednesday.
Iran’s World Cup 2026 kit was also unveiled at the event, following which the team will travel to Turkiye to continue their preparations at a training camp.
“This is the best sendoff in the last four World Cup campaigns,” Mehdi Taj, president of the Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran (FFIRI), told state TV.
“The players are with the people, and the crowd stands with the country’s dignity, honour, and strength. Whatever the result, may Iran’s flag be raised there and defended.”
Iran’s participation in the World Cup has been in question since the US and Israel attacked Iran, starting a regional war on February 28.
People gather to attend the farewell ceremony of Iran’s national team in Tehran [Atta Kenare/AFP]
An FFIRI delegation, led by Taj, turned back at Toronto’s main airport, citing their treatment by Canadian immigration, and missed a pre-World Cup FIFA gathering in Vancouver. They alleged “unacceptable behaviour of immigration officials” despite holding valid visas.
Q&A
What was the significance of the sendoff for Iran's World Cup squad?
The sendoff was significant as it showcased national pride and unity, with fans expressing support for the team amid concerns about their travel to the U.S.
Where will Iran's World Cup team train before the tournament?
Iran's World Cup team will train in Turkiye before heading to the United States for the competition.
What did the president of the Football Federation say about the sendoff?
Mehdi Taj, president of the Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran, described the sendoff as the best in the last four World Cup campaigns, emphasizing the players' connection with the people.
