Iran's football team was given a state farewell ceremony in Tehran this week, where chants of "Death to America" rang out and Hezbollah flags were visible in the crowd, as players and officials expressed uncertainty over whether US visas would be granted in time for the World Cup.
The send-off, which drew such large crowds that players were unable to leave their team buses at first, featured the unveiling of Iran's official 2026 World Cup kit.
Some players took to the stage to speak of "patriotism" in front of regime supporters who regularly attend state-organised events.
"This is the best farewell ceremony in the last four World Cups. The players stand alongside the people, and the people stand alongside the country's dignity, honour and power," Head of the Iranian Football Federation Mehdi Taj told state-run television IRIB.
"Whatever the result, we hope Iran’s flag will be raised there and defended," Taj added.
