Thousands of fans turned out in Iran's capital Tehran for a massive farewell ceremony on Wednesday night for their national football team, wishing them success before their departure for the World Cup 2026 matches co-hosted by the United States and Mexico.
The new jersey for the Iranian national team was unveiled by local football officials at the event.
"This is the best send-off in the last four World Cup campaigns," Iranian FA (FFIRI) President Mehdi Taj 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."
However, the competition is marred with politics in the wake of the Israeli-U.S. war on the Islamic Republic.
Following the two Israel-U.S. wars on Iran last June and in late February this year which lasted 40 days, Tehran called on the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) to change its World Cup 2026 matches from the United States to Mexico.
Taj was refused entry to co-host nation Canada for the FIFA Congress two weeks ago because of his connection to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), triggering fears there may be issues for some of the Iran delegation getting into the U.S.
As in Canada, the IRGC is classified as a "terrorist entity" in the U.S. and Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said no one with ties to the organisation would be admitted to the country.
Iran has placed responsibility for getting the players and team officials into the U.S., where Team Melli are scheduled to play all three World Cup group matches.
"Nothing has arrived yet regarding the visas. We hope it will definitely be handled within this timeframe," Hedayat Mombeini, the FFIRI Secretary-General, told state TV at the rally on Wednesday.
"FIFA has made promises, and hopefully those promises will lead to results and the players will receive their visas on time."
Reports that some Iraq players had been refused U.S. visas, which were quickly refuted by the White House and Iraq Football Association on Wednesday, further fuelled Iranian concerns.
"I hope FIFA steps in ... we have always believed sport should be separate from politics. So in my view FIFA has a duty to step in and make sure entry for all members of all World Cup teams is facilitated," Mombeini added.
Iran increased its FIFA contacts citing security concerns after U.S. President Donald Trump’s harsh remarks on his social platform Truth about the Iranian team’s safety.
On Saturday, Iran's Football Federation confirmed it will "definitely" participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, urging the tournament hosts to consider its concerns.
Ranked 21st in world ranking, Iran qualified for the FIFA Cup and headed to the event for the seventh time and, for their fourth straight World Cup edition.
The squad will face Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand after being drawn into Group G, which football experts termed a “group of death”.
Amid concerns of war-time logistics, the players plan will continue their preparations at a training camp in Antalya in Türkiye, and are scheduled to play two friendly matches next week, including one against Gambia.
The tournament will run from 11 June until the 19 July.
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Start your day informed with the AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top stories for the 14th of May, covering the latest developments you need to know.
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