Title: President Medicalian’s Surprise Visit Boosts Morale at National Football Camp
In a show of high-level support for Iranian sports, President Masoud Medicalian made an unannounced visit to the National Football Center on Sunday evening, engaging in heartfelt discussions and even kicking a ball around with the stars of the national team.
A Visit of Solidarity and Support
The visit occurred on the first day of a new training camp phase, just seven months before the team’s campaign in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. President Medicalian met with players, the technical and managerial staff of the national football team, as well as officials from the Football Federation.
At the outset, the Minister of Sport and Youth and the head of the Football Federation welcomed the President, characterizing his presence as a clear sign of the attention and support the national team receives from the government.
Shared Goals for Global Stage
During the meeting, the national team’s head coach provided a report on the team’s qualification journey and ongoing preparations. He outlined two primary objectives for the 2026 World Cup: to “bring honor” and “happiness” to the people, and to demonstrate “the ethical principles of Iranians to the world,” while achieving the best result in the nation’s World Cup history.
In response, President Medicalian thanked the relentless efforts of the team members and staff. “Your success brings joy to all the people of Iran, and I hope you are successful on this path,” he stated. He emphasized that while victory is desired, “more important than winning or losing is that you employ all your effort to gladden the hearts of the people and bring honor to beloved Iran.”
A Hands-On Leader
The President further underscored the nation’s appreciation for its sporting ambassadors, saying, “Iranians have always been grateful to those who have striven on the path of bringing honor to Iran and making the people happy. We have come to encourage you and express our hope and wish to witness your success and the pride of beloved Iran.”
In a display of camaraderie, President Medicalian then joined a number of the national team players for a brief, friendly game of football.
Broadening the Support
The President’s visit extended beyond the senior men’s team. He also met with the members and staff of the women’s national futsal team, congratulating them on their historic first-time qualification for the upcoming World Cup in the Philippines and wishing them success.
A meeting was also held with the U-23 national team as they prepare for the Asian Championship. On the sidelines of this meeting, the Minister of Sport and Youth highlighted the ministry’s serious pursuit of justice in sports. He pointed to the increased attention given to youth and development teams, including the notably successful U-23 side, as a direct result of this equity-focused policy. The minister also reported a successful start for the Iranian sports delegation at the Islamic Solidarity Games, which began with a gold medal in swimming—the nation’s first gold in swimming at the event.