Iran is set to make its fourth consecutive appearance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The squad has maintained a strong foundation with a roster heavily featuring players from the Persian Gulf Pro League alongside seasoned athletes from European clubs. As part of their preparation, Iran has performed steadily in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) qualifiers.
Qualification Status
Iran secured its place by finishing near the top of Group A during the AFC qualifiers, ending with 23 points, which placed them ahead of Uzbekistan.
Group Stage Matches
Here’s Iran’s schedule for the group stage of the tournament:
- June 15: Iran vs. New Zealand – Los Angeles Stadium, Inglewood, California (9 p.m. ET)
- June 21: Iran vs. Belgium – Los Angeles Stadium, Inglewood, California (3 p.m. ET)
- June 26: Iran vs. Egypt – Seattle Stadium (11 p.m. ET)
Previous World Cup Performances
Iran has appeared in six World Cups so far: 1978, 1988, 2006, 2014, 2018, and 2022, but has not advanced beyond the group stage.
Key Players to Watch
- Mehdi Taremi has significant experience playing for Porto and Inter Milan.
- Majid Hosseini brings global experience to Iran’s defense.
- Allahyar Sayyadmanesh adds youthful energy to the attack.
Coaching Leadership
Amir Ghalenoei has returned as the national team’s head coach, following his successful tenures in regional leagues. He has a notable history with Esteghlal and brings a wealth of experience to the World Cup campaign.
Historical Facts
- All-Time Leading Scorer: Ali Daei with 108 goals, having played for clubs like Bayern Munich.
- All-Time Caps Leader: Javad Nekounam with 149 caps.
- Team Nickname: Team Melli, Shiran e Iran.
Country Overview
- Population: Approximately 92.4 million
- Capital: Tehran
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