Tehran Sendoff for Iran Football Team Amid US Visa Uncertainty

Thousands gathered in Tehran's Enghelab Square on Wednesday for a state-organized sendoff ceremony for Iran's national football team ahead of the 2026 World Cup, where players and officials face uncertainty over U.S. visas required for their group-stage matches.

The event featured the unveiling of Iran's official 2026 World Cup kit, with coach Amir Ghalenoei and players appearing on stage in red and black tracksuits amid cheers from the crowd. Mehdi Taj, president of the Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran, addressed the rally, calling it "the best sendoff in the last four World Cup campaigns." He added, "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." Taj described the team as representing the nation during wartime and a pillar of authority and resistance.

The ceremony occurs against the backdrop of an ongoing regional war that began with U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran in late February. All three of Iran's Group G matches, against New Zealand, Belgium, and Egypt, are scheduled in the U.S., including the opener against New Zealand in Los Angeles...