Iran held a farewell ceremony on Wednesday for its national football team ahead of the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

Players wearing red and black tracksuits appeared on a stage set up in central Tehran, where large crowds gathered to cheer them on, according to footage aired by Iranian state television.

The event was attended by national team coach Amir Ghalenoei and Iranian Football Federation president Mehdi Taj.

During the ceremony, Taj said the national team players would represent “the people, the country’s fighters, Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, and the homeland” during the tournament.

He added that Iran’s national team would be “a football team in a time of war,” describing it as “one of the pillars of power and resistance” in the country.

Participants waved flags and chanted slogans, including one reading: “For the blood of the martyrs, sing the national anthem firmly and without hesitation.”

Iran’s team is expected to base itself in Tucson, Arizona, during the tournament, where it will compete in Group G alongside New Zealand, Belgium, and Egypt.