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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 World Cup squad
- Thousands of fans attended the event in Tehran's Enqelab Square
- The team's World Cup 2026 kit was unveiled
- Players made patriotic statements during the sendoff
- The team will train in Turkiye before the tournament
Mentioned in this story
TehranTurkiyeFootball Federation Islamic Republic of Iran
IranFIFA World Cup 2026
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.
In 2024, Canada listed Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organisation, and statements from the Canadian government indicated that Taj was denied entry due to his alleged ties with the IRGC.
The incident triggered fears there may be issues for some of the Iranian delegation getting into the US.
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 thousands of fans supporting the team amid concerns about their travel to the United States.
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 Mehdi Taj say about the sendoff event?
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 team's connection with the people.
