Iran President Masoud Pezeshkian Receives Symbolic No. 12 Shirt as Team Melli Prepares for 2026 World Cup

Iran President Masoud Pezeshkian was presented with the symbolic No. 12 shirt of the Iran national football team, also known as Team Melli, during a visit to the team’s training camp. The ceremony, which took place ahead of the country’s 2026 World Cup campaign, was a gesture of support and solidarity with the team as they prepare to represent Iran on the world stage.

The shirt was officially handed to Pezeshkian by Minister of Sport and Youth Ahmad Donyamali, in a ceremony held during the president’s appearance at the national team complex. The visit was an opportunity for Pezeshkian to meet with the players, coaching staff, and Football Federation officials, and to emphasize the importance of hard work, national unity, and representing the dignity and strength of the Iranian people on the world stage.

As Team Melli steps up preparations for the upcoming FIFA World Cup, Pezeshkian’s visit was a significant moment for the team. The president was briefed on the squad’s latest preparations, including training plans, players’ physical condition, upcoming camps, and the technical roadmap leading into the tournament. He also spoke directly to the players and staff, praising their role beyond football itself and highlighting the importance of their representation of the Iranian nation.

Pezeshkian’s message to the team was one of pride, unity, and perseverance. He told the squad that they are not just a sports team, but the representatives of the hope, determination, pride, and unity of the Iranian nation on a global stage. He emphasized that people feel proud when they see their sons fighting for Iran’s name with full commitment, passion, discipline, and honesty.

The president also reminded the team that while victory is always valuable, the team’s fighting spirit and honor matter just as much. He said that winning is sweet and important, but even in defeat, what endures is the spirit of battle, fairness in competition, and preserving national pride. A loss in sport is not the end of the road, he added, but the beginning of a new experience, a chance to rise again, become stronger, and continue the journey.

The visit concluded with the symbolic presentation of the Iran national team’s No. 12 shirt to President Pezeshkian. The gesture marked a significant moment in the team’s preparations for the World Cup, and served as a reminder of the importance of the team’s role in representing the Iranian nation on the world stage.

Iran’s 2026 World Cup campaign is expected to be a significant moment for the country, with the team facing stiff competition from other nations. However, with the support of the president and the Iranian people, Team Melli is determined to make a strong impression on the world stage. The team’s preparations are well underway, and the symbolic presentation of the No. 12 shirt to Pezeshkian serves as a reminder of the importance of unity and solidarity in the team’s quest for success.

Team Melli has a rich history in the World Cup, having competed in the tournament several times. The team’s best finish was in 2018, when they reached the group stage. However, the team is determined to do better in the 2026 tournament, and with the support of the Iranian people, they are confident of making a strong impression on the world stage.