🇮🇷 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
Belgium 5-1 New Zealand: De Bruyne and Trossard Fire Red Devils into World Cup Knockouts
Belgium delivered a dominant 5-1 victory over New Zealand to win Group G on goal difference. Kevin De Bruyne and Leandro Trossard starred as the Red Devils advanced to the round of 32, while New Zealand exit with one point.
Iran Leave Peace Note After Belgium Draw; Beiranvand's Seven Saves Shine
Iran's national team left a handwritten note calling for 'peace, respect and friendship' after a 0-0 draw with Belgium. The gesture references a deadly school attack and ongoing US-Iran war negotiations.
Mohamed Salah Breaks Egypt Record as Iran Visa Row Escalates at World Cup 2026
Mohamed Salah becomes Egypt's all-time top World Cup qualifying scorer, boosting their 2026 hopes. Meanwhile, Iran sends a new diplomatic message to FIFA over a visa controversy involving activist fans, threatening tournament inclusivity.
Iran Lodges FIFA Complaint Over ‘Oppressive’ Travel Rules at World Cup 2026
Iran's World Cup campaign faces off-field turmoil as the federation prepares a formal complaint to FIFA over travel restrictions. Coach Ghalenoei calls the team 'most oppressed' after being forced to arrive in Los Angeles just 24 hours before key matches, disrupting recovery and preparation.
Iran Makes History as First World Cup Team to Play in Host Country It's at War With
Iran faces New Zealand in Los Angeles amid US-Iran war, visa chaos, and a Mexican base. The match marks an unprecedented geopolitical crisis for FIFA's 'unity' slogan.
2026 World Cup Scandals: Trump’s Maga Influence, Ticket Outrage, and 48-Team Chaos
FIFA’s 2026 World Cup faces criticism over political bias, sky-high ticket prices, and a 48-team expansion that compromises quality and sustainability.
2026 World Cup: Politics, Profits, and Pollution Overshadow the Beautiful Game
The 2026 World Cup, hosted across the US, Mexico, and Canada, faces criticism for politicization, record costs, and environmental damage, overshadowing the tournament's expansion.
World Cup 2026: Iran Staff Visa Denials Force Move to Mexico, Spark Crisis
Iran’s World Cup preparations are in turmoil after the US denied visas to key managerial and technical staff, forcing the team to base in Tijuana, Mexico. Iranian officials accuse the US of discriminatory treatment, casting doubt on competitive integrity.
Iran World Cup 2026 in Doubt: US Visa Crisis Forces Mexico Base Shift
Iran's World Cup participation is uncertain due to unresolved US visa applications for its delegation. Despite relocating training base to Mexico and strong on-field form, the team faces potential exclusion if visas are denied, impacting Group G.
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.