Iran’s national football team, Team Melli, returns to Tehran for a celebration after finishing three group matches at the 2022 World Cup in the United States without reaching the knockout stages. Several hundred children, parents, and fans greet the players at Tehran airport on Wednesday, chanting “Iran, Iran!” in unison and waving Iranian flags. Some supporters wear or display national colours, including jerseys reading “Team Melli,” as they welcome the squad back despite the team’s disappointment at coming close to qualifying for the knockout rounds for the first time. Reports also note that the Iranian squad experienced a colder reception upon arrival in the US for the three group games. They are allowed to hold the homecoming welcome in Tehran before their final game against Egypt, but they must then travel back to Mexico immediately after the ceremony. Across outlets, the central elements are the contrasting receptions—briefly cooler in the US and warmly enthusiastic in Tehran—and the fans’ public display of national support as the squad concludes this World Cup cycle.