Iran are one of Asia’s most consistent footballing nations – seven World Cup appearances and four consecutive qualifications. Yet the knockout stage has always remained out of reach.
Six previous World Cups, six group stage exits. Under Amir Ghalenoei – the most decorated coach in Iran Pro League history, in his second spell since 2023 – Team Melli arrive in North America with a settled system and genuine belief that this is the year the breakthrough finally comes.
How they got there
Iran won AFC Group A with 23 points from ten matches – finishing two points ahead of Uzbekistan. The campaign was defined by Mehdi Taremi’s decisive contributions – most notably his two goals in a 2-2 draw against Uzbekistan that sealed qualification in March 2025.
The controversial omission of Sardar Azmoun – left out following a reported rift with the federation – was the qualifying cycle’s biggest talking point.
Best ever World Cup finish
Iran have appeared at six previous World Cups – in 1978, 1998, 2006, 2014, 2018 and 2022 – without advancing beyond the group stage.
Their best performance came at Russia 2018 where they beat Morocco 1-0 before losing narrowly to Spain and drawing 1-1 with Portugal – finishing third in the group on three points.
At Qatar 2022 they beat Wales 2-0 before losing to the USA and exiting in the group stage.
Iconic moments
Iran’s most celebrated World Cup moment came on 21 June 1998 at the Stade Gerland in Lyon – a 2-1 victory over the United States in one of the most politically charged matches in World Cup history.
Hamid Estili opened the scoring before Mehdi Mahdavikia made it 2-0. Brian McBride pulled one back but Iran held on – sealing their first ever World Cup victory to extraordinary scenes of celebration across the country.
Players to watch
Mehdi Taremi (Olympiakos) – Iran’s most important attacking player. The 33-year-old striker arrives at his third World Cup as the focal point of Ghalenoei’s attack. His movement, finishing and hold-up play make him a genuine threat against any defence in Group G. He scored twice to seal Iran’s qualification against Uzbekistan and arrives in North America determined to make history.
Alireza Jahanbakhsh (FC Dender) – The 32-year-old captain brings 98 caps and 17 international goals to the tournament. A former Brighton player now excelling in the Belgian Pro League, Jahanbakhsh provides the creative spark and directness that gives Iran their most dangerous attacking dimension wide of Taremi.
Fixtures
16 Jun: Iran vs New Zealand – SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles – 03:00 SAST
21 Jun: Belgium vs Iran – SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles – 21:00 SAST
27 Jun: Egypt vs Iran – Lumen Field, Seattle – 05:00 SAST
Photo: REUTERS/Molly Darlington/File Photo
