22 Iranian Athletes Killed, Imprisoned, or Sentenced to Death for Standing With Their People — the Team the Islamic Republic Doesn’t Want the World to See

While the Islamic Republic sends a team to the 2026 World Cup, the "Rise Iran!" campaign presents the real Iran team to the world: 22 Iranian athletes — killed, imprisoned, or sentenced to death for standing with their people.

Let's show the world Iran's real team — the players the Islamic regime killed or keeps under pressure.

Why "The Real Iran Team"?

The "Real Iran Team" page tells the face and story of each of these 22 athletes — from Amir Nasr-Azadani, the footballer sentenced to 16 years in prison for taking part in the national uprising, to athletes who lost their lives during the uprisings or remain behind bars today.

On the eve of the 2026 World Cup, the campaign invites all Iranians and freedom-lovers around the world to visit the page and share these athletes’ stories, so their voices are heard at the world’s biggest sporting event.

Meet the squad and read every player’s story on the Real Iran Team — World Cup 2026 page.