Qalibaf Praises Iran Team’s World Cup Effort, Commends Patriotism and Resilience

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf has praised the national football team’s performance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, commending the players for their efforts despite what he described as restrictions imposed by the tournament’s co-host, the United States. He issued the remarks in a message on Wednesday as the team returned to Iran after completing its World Cup campaign.

Qalibaf said the players demonstrated courage and patriotism on football’s biggest stage, adding that they “defended the name of Iran,” represented the national anthem globally, and proudly carried the country’s flag. He emphasized that their participation reflected national unity and determination under challenging circumstances.

The Parliament Speaker also noted that the team competed while observing religious traditions during Muharram and mourning Imam Hussein (AS). He further referred to national grief over the “Martyrdom” of Iran’s Islamic Revolution Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei and others killed during what he described as US-Israeli aggression against Iran.