Iran’s National Soccer Team Sends Off Ahead of the 2022 FIFA World Cup
On 10 November 2022, thousands of fans gathered in Azadi Stadium, Tehran, to bid farewell to the Iranian men’s national soccer team as it prepared for its debut at the FIFA World Cup in Qatar. The event, organized by the Iranian Football Association (IFA), combined patriotic displays, a new kit unveiling, and messages of solidarity from government officials and supporters.
Farewell Ceremony in Tehran
The crowd, estimated by state broadcaster IRIB at over 30 000, waved the green‑white‑red Iranian flag and held portraits of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Chants of “Death to America” and “Death to Israel” echoed through the stadium, reflecting the prevailing political rhetoric at the time. Mehdi Taj, president of the IFA, told IRIB that the ceremony was “the most heartfelt send‑off in the nation’s recent World Cup history,” emphasizing that the players and the public stood together for the country’s dignity and honor.
Security personnel facilitated a smooth flow of attendees, and the event was broadcast live on national television, allowing Iranians across the country to participate virtually.
Jersey Unveiling and Team Preparations
During the ceremony, the IFA unveiled the team’s official 2022 World Cup jersey. The design retained the traditional green base, accented with white and red trim, and featured a subtle geometric pattern inspired by Persian tilework. The kit was produced by the Iranian sportswear manufacturer Merooj, marking the first time a domestically made outfit was used in a World Cup campaign.
Following the farewell, the squad departed for a training camp in Austria, where they spent ten days refining tactics under head coach Carlos Queiroz. The camp included friendly matches against Albania and Uzbekistan, which helped the coaching staff evaluate player fitness and tactical combinations ahead of the tournament.
World Cup Outlook and Challenges
Iran entered the 2022 FIFA World Cup ranked 21st in the FIFA Men’s World Ranking, having secured qualification through the Asian qualifiers with a record of eight wins, two draws, and two losses. The team was placed in Group B alongside England, the United States, and Wales.
Although the side had never advanced beyond the group stage in its previous six World Cup appearances, the IFA expressed confidence that the blend of experienced veterans—such as goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand—and emerging talents like forward Mehdi Taremi would enable a competitive performance. The squad’s preparation emphasized defensive organization and quick transitions, a style that had yielded success in the 2018 World Cup qualifiers.
Logistical concerns were minimal; the Iranian government coordinated with FIFA and Qatari authorities to ensure smooth visa processing and travel arrangements. The team’s charter flight departed Tehran on 13 November 2022, arriving in Doha the following day.
- Date of farewell: 10 November 2022
- Location: Azadi Stadium, Tehran
- Attendance (est.): >30 000 fans
- New jersey manufacturer: Merooj (Iran)
- Pre‑World Cup camp: Austria (10 days)
- FIFA ranking at qualification: 21st
- Group B opponents: England, United States, Wales
The farewell ceremony exemplified how sport can intersect with national identity, providing a moment of unity for Iranians despite the complex geopolitical backdrop. As the team took the field in Qatar, the messages from Tehran resonated with supporters hoping for a historic breakthrough in Iran’s World Cup journey.
