Supporters gathered in Tehran on Wednesday to send off Iran national football team ahead of preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Footage showed players and coaches appearing on stage as crowds waved Iranian flags, sang the national anthem and chanted political slogans including “Death to America” and “Death to Israel.”
Some attendees carried portraits of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Iran’s team is expected to travel to Turkey for a training camp before heading to the United States for the tournament, which will be co-hosted by the US, Canada and Mexico.