Iran
The Iran National Soccer Team, founded in 1920 and governed by the Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran, is one of Asia’s most successful teams. A three-time AFC Asian Cup champion and FIFA World Cup participant, Iran is known for its disciplined defense, technical quality, and passionate support. The team continues to be a dominant force in Asian football, proudly representing the nation on the global stage.
Explore the official Iran National Team squad and get a clear overview of every player selected for the tournament. Discover the key details behind the stars, rising talents, and core squad members who shape the team’s World Cup 2026 campaign.
Ramin Rezaeian Semeskandi
Defender
Mar 21, 1990
Omid Ebrahimi
Midfielder
Feb 27, 1987
Ahmad Noorollahi
Midfielder
Feb 1, 1993
Karim Ansarifard
Attacker
Apr 3, 1990
Mehrdad Mohammadi Kashmarzi
Attacker
Sep 29, 1993
Ali Nozar Karimi
Midfielder
Feb 11, 1994
Mohammadreza Azadi
Attacker
Sep 7, 1999
Aaref Gholami
Defender
Apr 19, 1997
Reza Asadi
Midfielder
Jan 17, 1996
Saeid Mehri
Midfielder
Feb 9, 1998
Javad Aghaeipour
Attacker
Dec 6, 1999
Hossein Pourhamidi
Goalkeeper
Mar 26, 1998
Seyed Mehdi Hosseini
Midfielder
Sep 16, 1993
Saman Fallah Varnami
Midfielder
May 12, 2001
Mehdi Limouchi
Attacker
Nov 23, 1999
Hossein Goudarzi
Defender
May 3, 2001
Danial Iri
Defender
Oct 26, 2003
Mohammad Khalifeh
Goalkeeper
Aug 19, 2004
Arsha Shakouri
Goalkeeper
Oct 1, 2006
Mohammadmehdi Zare Mohazabieh
Defender
Jan 25, 2003
Meet the Iran National Team coaching staff, who play a vital role in preparing the squad for success on the international stage. Working behind the scenes, they support the team’s tactical development, physical conditioning, match preparation, and overall performance throughout World Cup 2026.
Amir Ghalenoei
Birthday:
Nov 23, 1963
Nationality:
Iran
Explore the latest Iran matches at the FIFA World Cup 2026 and stay updated on results, key moments, and standout player performances from every game.
Costa Rica vs Iran
0 : 5
Mar 31, 2026 • Friendlies
Corendon Airlines Park, Antalya
Iran vs Nigeria
1 : 2
Mar 27, 2026 • Friendlies
Corendon Airlines Park, Antalya
Uzbekistan vs Iran
0 : 0
Nov 18, 2025 • Friendlies
Al Maktoum Stadium, Dubai
Iran vs Cape Verde Islands
0 : 0
Nov 13, 2025 • Friendlies
Hazza bin Zayed Stadium, Al Ain
Iran vs Tanzania
2 : 0
Oct 14, 2025 • Friendlies
Al Rashid Stadium, Dubai
Iran vs Chile
-
Oct 14, 2025 • Friendlies
Russia vs Iran
2 : 1
Oct 10, 2025 • Friendlies
Volgograd Arena, Volgograd
Iran vs Uzbekistan
0 : 1
Sep 8, 2025 • CAFA Nations Cup
Tajikistan vs Iran
2 : 2
Sep 4, 2025 • CAFA Nations Cup
Hisor Central Stadium, Hisor
India vs Iran
0 : 3
Sep 1, 2025 • CAFA Nations Cup
Hisor Central Stadium, Hisor
Iran reached the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a strong qualifying campaign across both the second and third rounds of AFC qualification. They came through Group E in the second round without losing, then topped Group A in the third round to secure a direct place at the finals. The key moment came on March 25, 2025, when a 2-2 draw with Uzbekistan in Tehran officially confirmed qualification. Iran finished the decisive third round in first place with 23 points, showing their usual consistency on the Asian stage and qualifying for a fourth straight World Cup.
Played
Qualification matches played
Won
Matches won
Drawn
Matches drawn
Lost
Matches lost
Goals For
Total goals scored
Goals Against
Total goals conceded
Goal Difference
GF minus GA
Points
3 per win, 1 per draw
Road to WC
Match | Date | MatchUp | Stadium | City | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Nov 16, 2023 | Iran vs Hong Kong | Azadi Stadium | Tehran | 4:0 |
2 | Nov 21, 2023 | Uzbekistan vs Iran | Milliy Stadium | Tashkent | 2:2 |
3 | Mar 21, 2024 | Iran vs Turkmenistan | Azadi Stadium | Tehran | 5:0 |
4 | Mar 26, 2024 | Turkmenistan vs Iran | Ashgabat Stadium | Ashgabat | 0:1 |
5 | Jun 6, 2024 | Hong Kong vs Iran | Hong Kong Stadium | Hongkong | 2:4 |
6 | Jun 11, 2024 | Iran vs Uzbekistan | Azadi Stadium | Tehran | 0:0 |
7 | Sep 5, 2024 | Iran vs Kyrgyzstan | Naghsh-e-Jahan Stadium | Isfahan | 1:0 |
8 | Sep 10, 2024 | United Arab Emirates vs Iran | Hazza bin Zayed Stadium | Al Ain | 0:1 |
9 | Oct 10, 2024 | Uzbekistan vs Iran | Milliy Stadium | Tashkent | 0:0 |
10 | Oct 15, 2024 | Iran vs Qatar | Azadi Stadium | Tehran | 4:1 |
11 | Nov 14, 2024 | North Korea vs Iran | New Laos National Stadium | Vientiane | 2:3 |
12 | Nov 19, 2024 | Kyrgyzstan vs Iran | Dolen Omurzakov Stadium | Bishkek | 2:3 |
13 | Mar 20, 2025 | Iran vs United Arab Emirates | Azadi Stadium | Tehran | 2:0 |
14 | Mar 25, 2025 | Iran vs Uzbekistan | Azadi Stadium | Tehran | 2:2 |
15 | Jun 5, 2025 | Qatar vs Iran | Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium | Doha | 1:0 |
16 | Jun 10, 2025 | Iran vs North Korea | Azadi Stadium | Tehran | 3:0 |
Iran’s World Cup history is defined by resilience, discipline, and landmark moments that carry deep emotional weight. Team Melli made its tournament debut in 1978 and has since become one of Asia’s most regular World Cup participants, though the team is still chasing its first appearance in the knockout rounds.
One of Iran’s most famous World Cup moments came in 1998, when they defeated the United States 2–1 in a match that became historic both on and off the pitch. It was Iran’s first-ever World Cup win, making the moment meaningful well beyond the game itself. Another memorable tournament came in 2018, when Iran beat Morocco 1–0, pushed Spain in a narrow defeat, and drew with Portugal, coming agonisingly close to reaching the Round of 16 for the first time.
Iran’s World Cup identity has also been shaped by standout figures such as Ali Daei, Mehdi Mahdavikia, and, in the modern era, Mehdi Taremi. With a history built on hard-fought performances and emotionally charged matches, Iran remains one of Asia’s most compelling World Cup teams.
Iran have appeared at the FIFA World Cup six times — 1978, 1998, 2006, 2014, 2018, and 2022 — with 2026 set to be their seventh participation. Team Melli have also qualified for four straight World Cups from 2014 through 2026.
Iran’s best World Cup finish is the group stage. Despite several strong campaigns, the team is still chasing its first appearance in the knockout rounds.
Mehdi Taremi is Iran’s top World Cup scorer with 2 goals. He is the only Iranian player to score more than once at the finals.
Ehsan Hajisafi holds Iran’s record for most World Cup matches played, with 9 appearances. Alireza Jahanbakhsh follows with 8.
In 1998, Iran recorded its first-ever World Cup win by beating the USA 2–1 in one of the tournament’s most emotionally significant matches. Another landmark came in 2025, when a 2–2 draw with Uzbekistan secured qualification for the 2026 World Cup.
Saeid Ezatolahi
A dominant defensive midfielder, Ezatolahi gives Iran a strong shield in front of the back line. His ball-winning, aerial presence, and tactical discipline help Team Melli control transitions and protect leads in high-pressure matches.
Saman Ghoddos
A creative midfield connector, Ghoddos adds intelligence in possession and calm decision-making between the lines. His passing range and set-piece delivery make him a valuable link from midfield into the forward line, especially when Iran needs control and precision.
Hossein Kanaanizadegan
An experienced centre-back, Kanaanizadegan provides organization and leadership in Iran’s defense. His ability to read danger early and play out from the back helps maintain structure against top-level opposition.
Sardar Azmoun
Iran’s most prolific modern forward, Azmoun played a decisive role in the qualification campaigns for 2018, 2022, and 2026. Known for his aerial ability and finishing, he remains one of Team Melli’s most reliable attacking players.
Mehdi Taremi
Taremi has been one of Iran’s best-performing players in Europe, especially with FC Porto. His playmaking and strength made him crucial in securing Iran’s path toward the 2026 World Cup. He is also a consistent scorer in AFC competitions.
Alireza Beiranvand
Famous worldwide for saving a penalty from Cristiano Ronaldo in 2018, Beiranvand continues to be Iran’s first-choice goalkeeper. His long throws, reflex saves, and leadership in qualifying matches remain essential for Iran’s 2026 squad.
Javad Nekounam
One of Iran’s greatest midfielders, Nekounam earned over 150 caps and captained the team across several qualification campaigns. His passing and defensive strength anchored Iran’s midfield for more than a decade.
Mehdi Mahdavikia
A key player in multiple World Cups, Mahdavikia was famous for his pace, crossing ability, and vision. His goal against the USA in 1998 is one of Iran’s most memorable World Cup moments. He later became a mentor for youth development in Iran.
Ali Karimi
Nicknamed the “Maradona of Asia,” Karimi was a magical dribbler and creative playmaker who could change games on his own. His flair, technique, and personality made him one of Iran’s most celebrated modern icons.
Ali Daei
The former captain and one of football’s most iconic figures, Ali Daei once held the world record for most international goals (109). A powerful striker known for his skills and leadership, he played a major role in putting Iran on the global football map and inspiring future generations.
Follow Iran at the FIFA World Cup 2026 and discover where the team will play throughout the tournament. Explore the full match schedule, host cities, and stadiums set to stage some of the competition’s biggest moments. From group-stage fixtures to possible knockout-round drama, find everything you need to experience the action live at football’s biggest event.
Iran has appeared at the FIFA World Cup 6 times before 2026 (1978, 1998, 2006, 2014, 2018, 2022).
Iran has never reached a FIFA World Cup final.
Iran has never progressed from the group stage at the World Cup before 2026.
Iran’s best World Cup result is the group stage, as they have not advanced to the knockout rounds yet.
Iran’s worst World Cup results to date have been group-stage exits.
Iran’s most widely recognized rivalries include Saudi Arabia and Iraq.
Iran qualified through AFC qualifying, securing their place in March 2025 during the third round.
Iran’s group-stage matches are scheduled for Los Angeles and Seattle. They play New Zealand at Los Angeles Stadium on June 15, 2026, Belgium at Los Angeles Stadium on June 21, 2026, and Egypt at Seattle Stadium on June 26, 2026.
The no 1 marketplace in the world
Ticombo® is now the most followed of all reselling platforms in Europe. Thank you!
Seal of Excellence by EU Commission
Ticombo GmbH (parent company) is recognized under Horizon 2020, the EU's research and innovation funding program for its proposal No. 782393.
As seen on the news
