🇮🇷 Iran
Group G
- Coach
- Amir Ghalenoei
- World Cup appearances
- 7
- Best result
- Group stage (1978, 1998, 2006, 2014, 2018, 2022)
- FIFA ranking
- #20
Iran's national football team, known as Team Melli, is set for its seventh World Cup appearance in 2026. Under head coach Amir Ghalenoei, the team is known for a pragmatic, disciplined, and attritional playing style focused on securing results. Key strengths include a solid defensive structure and reliance on star forward Mehdi Taremi. Recent form is strong, having qualified early in March 2025. The squad is defiant and aims to reach the knockout stages for the first time.
Matches
News
Iran World Cup 2026 Squad to Commute from Tijuana After US Base Camp Rejected
Iran's football team will be based in Tijuana, Mexico, for the 2026 World Cup, commuting to matches in the US after Washington refused visas and security assurances, confirmed by Iran Football Federation President Mehdi Taj and approved by FIFA.
Iran Players: 'Duty to Fight for Our People' at US-Hosted World Cup 2026
Iran’s national team opens up about preparing for the 2026 World Cup in the US while at war with the host country, with midfielder Saeid Ezatolahi admitting the constant news from home makes it 'not easy' to focus on football.
Iran Drops Azmoun from World Cup Squad Amid Political Tensions
Iran’s third-highest goalscorer, Sardar Azmoun, is excluded from the final 26-man World Cup squad after a social media post with a UAE ruler sparked political backlash, casting a shadow over Team Melli’s Group G campaign.
Sardar Azmoun Dropped from Iran’s 2026 World Cup Squad Amid Political Firestorm
Iran's football team heads to the 2026 World Cup in the US without star striker Sardar Azmoun, excluded over a photo with Dubai's ruler. The decision is seen as political reprisal, not tactical.
World Cup 2026: FIFA Threatened with Legal Action Over Iranian Flag Ban
FIFA may ban the Lion and Sun flag from World Cup 2026 stadiums, sparking a legal challenge. The emblem symbolizes opposition and diaspora identity. The controversy adds to geopolitical tensions as Iran plays in Los Angeles.
Iran Moves World Cup Base to Mexico After FIFA Approval, Citing Security and Visa Issues
Iran's football team will relocate its 2026 World Cup base from Arizona to Tijuana, Mexico. The Iran Football Federation cites security concerns from Middle East conflict and potential visa problems. FIFA hasn't confirmed the change.
FIFA Approves Iran's Request to Move World Cup Base to Mexico
FIFA reportedly approved Iran's request to relocate its 2026 World Cup training base from Tucson, Arizona to Tijuana, Mexico due to geopolitical tensions, visa issues, and security concerns.
Iran Moves World Cup 2026 Base to Mexico Amid US Security Fears
Iran moved its 2026 World Cup base from Tucson, Arizona to Tijuana, Mexico due to security fears and visa issues from US-Israel war on Iran. FIFA approved. Team will avoid US soil but remain near venues.
World Cup 2026: FIFA to Ban Iran's Pre-Revolutionary Lion and Sun Flag
FIFA will enforce a ban on the pre-revolutionary Iranian flag (Lion and Sun) at the 2026 World Cup in the US, Canada, and Mexico, repeating the same policy from the 2022 tournament.
Salah to Captain Egypt at 2026 World Cup: Squad, Group & Key Storylines
Mohamed Salah will captain Egypt at the 2026 World Cup. The 33-year-old Liverpool star leads a 27-man squad including uncapped 18-year-old Hamza Abdelkarim.