FIFA Ranking #33 · 7 World Cups · Best: Group Stage
Iran arrive as Asia's most consistent World Cup qualifiers, powered by two elite strikers in Azmoun and Taremi who perform at the highest European club level. In one of the tournament's most difficult groups, they will need every ounce of their collective organisation to advance.
Group G opponents
Sardar Azmoun
⭐ Star PlayerBayer Leverkusen
Striker
70
Caps
46
Goals
30
Age
The "Iranian Messi" — technically superb striker with great movement and the ability to beat defenders in tight spaces.
Mehdi Taremi
Inter Milan
Striker / Second Striker
80
Caps
52
Goals
32
Age
Iran's all-time top scorer and Inter Milan striker — a complete forward combining aerial ability, technique, and an eye for spectacular goals.
Alireza Jahanbakhsh
Al-Qadsiah
Winger
80
Caps
20
Goals
32
Age
Iran's most experienced wide player with Premier League experience at Brighton; brings energy and directness on the flank.
Ehsan Hajsafi
Olympiacos
Left Back / Captain
120
Caps
12
Goals
34
Age
Iran's veteran captain with 120+ caps who epitomises the team's fighting spirit and was vocal about human rights at the 2022 World Cup.
All times local to venue. Group stage results determine knockout seedings.
New Zealand
FIFA #92
SoFi Stadium
Los Angeles, CA
Belgium
FIFA #10
SoFi Stadium
Los Angeles, CA
Egypt
FIFA #36
Lumen Field
Seattle, WA
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7
Appearances
0
Titles
#33
FIFA Rank
Group Stage
Best Result
Iran first qualified for the World Cup in 1978 and have appeared at multiple tournaments since. Their most famous moment was a 2–1 win over the USA in 1998 at the height of geopolitical tension — one of football's most politically charged matches. They qualified regularly from 2006 onwards, and at 2022 qualified from a group containing England, USA, and Wales.
Formation
Single pivot anchors midfield, four support the striker
Head Coach
Amir Ghalenoei
Iranian · 4-1-4-1
Amir Ghalenoei leads Iran into the 2026 World Cup with a 4-1-4-1 system built around the squad's strengths.
The three teams Iran must face in the group stage.
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