Iran
Iran’s World Cup story reflects steady growth and a series of landmark moments that have solidified Team Melli’s status as one of Asia’s most consistent contenders. With six appearances—1978, 1998, 2006, 2014, 2018, and 2022—Iran has come increasingly close to advancing beyond the group stage, most notably in 2018, when the team battled Spain and Portugal in a tense “Group of Death” and remained within reach of qualification until the final whistle. A defining milestone came in 1998 with a historic 2–1 victory over the United States. The 2018 squad also set a national benchmark by earning Iran’s highest-ever World Cup points total, further demonstrating the team’s evolution and growing competitiveness on football’s biggest stage.
Discover the official Iran squad for the FIFA World Cup 2026. Explore player profiles, positions, and key stats for each member of the team as they prepare to compete on football’s biggest stage.
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 coaching staff behind Iran’s World Cup 2026 campaign. Learn about the head coach, assistant coaches, and support team who are responsible for preparing the squad and leading them on the path to glory.
Amir Ghalenoei
Birthday:
Nov 23, 1963
Nationality:
Iran
Explore the most recent matches played by Iran in the FIFA World Cup 2026. Get insights into match results, key moments, and player performances.
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
Follow Iran’s journey to the FIFA World Cup 2026, from the qualification process to their performance in the tournament. See how they secured their spot and what challenges they faced along the way.
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 |
Explore Iran’s rich history in the FIFA World Cup, from their debut to their most memorable moments. Discover key matches, legendary players, and the team’s journey through past tournaments as they aim for glory in 2026.
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.
Iran will play its World Cup 2026 matches in the following stadiums across North America. Each venue offers a unique atmosphere and experience for fans, with state-of-the-art facilities and passionate local support. Check the schedule to see which stadiums will host Iran’s group stage and potential knockout matches.
FIFA is employing a dynamic pricing model, so prices can go up or down depending on demand. Due to this, there is no specific price point as yet. Fans can expect prices to vary across tournament phases and matches. As a result, the lowest official stadium prices, for example, are anticipated to start from around $60, while premium hospitality packages can run up to $7,875.
All tickets are digital tickets through the official FIFA Ticketing App.
You can resell them.
You can buy tickets for multiple matches. FIFA allows up to 4 tickets per match and a total of 40 tickets per FIFA account.
There's no predicting the future participants in advance. But if your favorite team doesn't make the cut, you can just resell your tickets on Ticombo.
A total of 104 matches will take place.
The tickets are non-refundable, but FIFA has its own official resale platform.
You can use live chat or call during official business hours, or send an email.
Yes, standard entry and visa requirements for the host countries still apply. In some cases, holding a valid World Cup ticket may offer priority visa processing, depending on the country’s regulations.
48 teams will participate.
All FIFA World Cup 2026 tickets are delivered digitally through the official FIFA Ticketing App.
You are able to buy tickets at any time. We recommend buying them well in advance of match day. This ensures availability and allows you to enjoy the event without any last-minute stress.
If you purchase multiple tickets from the same listing on Ticombo, the tickets will always be seated together.
In some cases, tickets may be delivered before they are officially available in the app. To ensure seats remain together, all tickets from the same order should be sent to one single email address.
Once tickets are available in the app, the main recipient can forward the tickets to other guests. If tickets are delivered early to different email addresses, seating together cannot be ensured once they are released in the app.
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