Iran at the FIFA World Cup 2026

History

Iran have qualified for the FIFA World Cup seven times (1978, 1998, 2006, 2014, 2018, 2022, and 2026), making them one of Asia's most frequent World Cup participants. However, they have never progressed beyond the group stage. Their most famous result remains the 2-1 victory over the United States at France 1998 in Lyon. At Qatar 2022 they claimed three points with a 2-0 win over Wales but were eliminated after losing to the United States and England. Their record 4 points at a single tournament came in 2018. Away from the World Cup, Iran are three-time AFC Asian Cup champions (1968, 1972, 1976), a record they share with Japan, South Korea, and Saudi Arabia.

Qualification

Iran qualified for the 2026 World Cup on March 25, 2025, after a 2-2 home draw against Uzbekistan in the third round of AFC qualification, confirming their place as group winners. Coach Amir Ghalenoei, in his second spell as national team head coach, led a pragmatic campaign built on defensive organisation and set-piece efficiency. Iran's Asia Cup record of consistent qualification reflects the strength of their domestic football structure under the Persian Gulf Pro League, although the league was suspended from late February 2026 following the US-Israel attack on Iran on February 28.

Preparation

Iran's World Cup preparations have been disrupted by significant challenges. The Persian Gulf Pro League was suspended in late February 2026, leaving 17 of the final 26-man squad's home-based players without competitive football for several months. Coach Ghalenoei took the squad to a training camp in Antalya, Turkey, in mid-May 2026, as US entry visas had not yet been issued at the time of departure. On 29 May Iran beat Gambia 3-1 in a warm-up friendly; the team closed its camp with a 6-0 win over Mali on 4 June. The squad's tournament base camp was relocated from Tucson, Arizona to Centro Xoloitzcuintle in Tijuana, Mexico, crossing the border only on match days. After players received US visas on 5 June, the delegation flew to Tijuana on 7 June wearing gold '#168' pins honouring 168 Minab school-strike victims. Around 14 staff members were denied US entry; the federation called the refusals political and raised the matter with FIFA. Iran opened their group stage on 15 June at SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, drawing 2-2 with New Zealand: Elijah Just scored twice for New Zealand (7', 54'), with Ramin Rezaeian (32') and Mohammad Mohebbi (64') equalising for Iran. The match was politically charged, with 300-500 protesters outside and dozens of pre-revolutionary Lion and Sun flags brought into the stadium despite FIFA's ban. Immediately after the match, the US ordered Iran to leave the country the same evening, allowing no overnight recovery. Coach Ghalenoei called the squad 'perhaps the most oppressed in the World Cup.' Winger Mehdi Torabi's single-entry US visa expired after the opener; the US State Department issued him a new multiple-entry visa on 17 June, clearing him for the rest of the tournament. Iran's federation filed a formal complaint with FIFA on 19 June over the US refusal to allow the squad to arrive two days before the Belgium match. On 21 June at SoFi Stadium Iran drew 0-0 with Belgium: goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand made seven saves; Taremi had a goal disallowed by VAR for offside; Nathan Ngoy was sent off in the 66th minute for hauling down Taremi. Both teams ended on two points; Egypt lead Group G with four. On 23 June DHS announced Iran may enter the US two days before their final group match against Egypt in Seattle on 26 June, easing the match-day-only restriction that applied to the first two games. Iran must still leave on match day. Travelling to Seattle on 24 June, captain Taremi and assistant coach Saeed Alhoei were held at the airport by US officials for around 25-40 minutes, with the rest of the delegation waiting on the plane; Iran's federation called it 'new harassment'. Both eventually boarded and the team arrived in Seattle two days ahead of the Egypt match, training at the University of Washington on 25 June. In their Group G finale on 26 June at Lumen Field in Seattle, Iran drew 1-1 with Egypt: Mahmoud Saber scored early (5') after Beiranvand spilled a Salah effort before Ramin Rezaeian equalised (14'). Taremi had a penalty saved and hit the crossbar; Ezatolahi also struck the woodwork. In the 93rd minute Shoja Khalilzadeh appeared to win it but VAR ruled him marginally offside. Iran finished third in Group G with three points from three draws. Their knockout-stage hopes ended on 27 June when Algeria and Austria drew 3-3 in Group J, leaving Iran below the cut-off for the eight best third-placed finishers. Departing the tournament unbeaten but eliminated, coach Ghalenoei urged FIFA president Infantino to 'stand up' to US host behaviour he called 'really terrible'; captain Taremi called it a 'disaster World Cup' in terms of treatment. In their final days in Tijuana the squad received a warm send-off from local fans, and the Iranian embassy thanked Mexico for its hospitality. The team landed at Tehran's Mehrabad airport on 1 July 2026 to a crowd of supporters chanting 'Iran, Iran!'; goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand, hailed a national hero, apologised for failing to qualify, while Ramin Rezaeian said US immigration restrictions had complicated their campaign. On 13 July 2026 the federation confirmed Ghalenoei will remain head coach through the 2027 AFC Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia, where Iran have been drawn in Group C alongside Syria, Kyrgyzstan and China.

Latest news

Iran extend Amir Ghalenoei's contract through 2027 AFC Asian Cup

· coach

The Football Federation of Iran announced on 13 July 2026 that Ghalenoei will remain head coach through the 2027 AFC Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia, despite Iran's group-stage exit. Federation president Mehdi Taj said Ghalenoei had already submitted his Asian Cup plans. Iran drawn in Group C alongside Syria, Kyrgyzstan and China; tournament runs 7 January to 5 February 2027.

Iran's World Cup squad returns home to warm Tehran reception; Beiranvand apologises to fans

· general

Iran's squad landed at Tehran's Mehrabad Airport on 1 July 2026 to hundreds of fans chanting 'Iran, Iran!' and military musicians playing the anthem. Beiranvand, hailed a national hero, told fans: 'We apologise for failing to qualify and to bring you happiness.' Rezaeian said: 'We deserved to go further, but they made the task more complicated for us,' citing US immigration restrictions.

Iran bid farewell to Tijuana amid warm Mexican hospitality after World Cup exit

· general

After elimination on 28 June 2026, Iran's squad spent its final days in Tijuana receiving warmth from local fans, who gathered at the team hotel for autographs; some wore caps reading 'Iran, brother, you're Mexican now'. The Iranian embassy thanked Mexico for 'genuine hospitality' after three weeks based there amid US travel restrictions tied to the US-Israel conflict.

Iran eliminated as Algeria-Austria 3-3 draw pushes them out of best third-place spots

· general

Iran's knockout dream ended on 27 June when Algeria and Austria drew 3-3 in Group J. Iran needed either side to win; instead Sasa Kalajdzic's stoppage-time equaliser denied them. Algeria advanced on 4 points, overtaking Iran's 3 in the third-place standings. Iran depart unbeaten after three group-stage draws but without reaching the knockout round for the first time in their World Cup history.

Ghalenoei urges Infantino to act on 'really terrible' US treatment; Taremi calls it 'disaster World Cup'

· general

After elimination, coach Ghalenoei urged FIFA president Infantino to 'stand up' to US host behaviour he called 'really terrible', saying restrictions denied Iran proper preparation and recovery. Taremi called it a 'disaster World Cup', citing staff visa denials and forced same-day departures after matches. Iran reportedly left handwritten dressing-room notes cataloguing their difficulties.

Iran 1-1 Egypt: Khalilzadeh's 93rd-minute winner ruled out by VAR; Iran finish third in Group G

· matches

Egypt led through Mahmoud Saber (5') after Beiranvand spilled a Salah effort; Rezaeian equalised (14'). Taremi had a first-half penalty saved and later hit the crossbar; Ezatolahi also struck the bar. In the 93rd minute Khalilzadeh appeared to win it but VAR ruled him marginally offside. Iran finish third in Group G with 3 points from three draws; knockout qualification depends on other groups.

Taremi and assistant coach Alhoei held at US airport for 25 minutes before Seattle flight

· general

US officials held captain Mehdi Taremi and assistant coach Saeed Alhoei at the airport on 24 June as the delegation left for Seattle; Iran called it 'new harassment'. Both were questioned 25-40 minutes without boarding passes while the squad waited on the plane, refusing to leave without them. Both boarded and the team arrived in Seattle two days before the Egypt match.

DHS eases Iran travel rules for Seattle match; team allowed to arrive two days before Egypt game

· general

DHS announced on 23 June 2026 that Iran may enter the US two days before their Group G finale against Egypt in Seattle on 26 June. The change addresses Iran's complaints that the 24-hour arrival window placed them at a disadvantage versus all other 47 teams. Iran must still leave on match day and return to their Tijuana base.

Iran hold 10-man Belgium 0-0; goalkeeper Beiranvand makes seven saves in Group G stalemate

· matches

Iran drew 0-0 with Belgium at SoFi Stadium on 21 June 2026. Beiranvand made seven saves; Taremi had a goal ruled out by VAR for offside; Ngoy was sent off (66') for fouling Taremi through on goal. Belgium had 70% possession and 1.79 xG but could not score. Both teams finish on 2 points; Egypt lead with 4. Iran need a win vs Egypt (26 June, Seattle) to advance.

Belgium's Doku ruled out of Iran match due to illness ahead of Group G clash at SoFi

· matches

Jeremy Doku has been ruled out of Belgium's World Cup 2026 group stage match against Iran due to illness, according to Associated Press. The match is scheduled for 21 June 2026 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. Doku's absence reduces Belgium's attacking options as they face Iran in the second round of Group G fixtures.

Iran files FIFA complaint over US refusal to allow early arrival before Belgium match

· general

Iran's football federation filed a formal complaint with FIFA on 19 June 2026, disputing the US decision to deny its request to travel from Tijuana to Los Angeles two days before the Belgium group game. The federation said early arrival was needed to adapt and complete a final training session. Under the US protocol, Iran may only enter on match-day minus one and must leave the same day.

Torabi visa issue resolved; US issues new multiple-entry visa after expiry following opener

· general

Iran winger Mehdi Torabi's US visa expired after the New Zealand match as he had received a single-entry visa while teammates received multiple-entry ones. The US State Department issued him a new multiple-entry visa on 17 June 2026, stating it worked to ensure the player could participate in every game. The federation confirmed Torabi will travel with the squad for all remaining matches.

Iran draw 2-2 with New Zealand in politically charged World Cup opener

· matches

Iran drew 2-2 with New Zealand in their Group G opener at SoFi Stadium, Inglewood on 15 June 2026. Elijah Just gave New Zealand the lead (7'); Ramin Rezaeian equalised (32'). Just restored the lead (54') before Mohammad Mohebbi headed Iran level (64'). Some 300-500 protesters gathered outside; dozens brought the Lion and Sun flag inside despite FIFA's ban. Iran's anthem was booed.

Iran ordered to leave US immediately after New Zealand draw; coach calls squad 'most oppressed'

· general

After the 2-2 draw with New Zealand on 15 June 2026, Iran's delegation was ordered to depart the US by around 8pm local time with no overnight recovery. Coach Ghalenoei said they were told to leave immediately after the game. US official Andrew Giuliani said Iran knew it could enter one day before each match and must leave the same evening. The Tijuana-to-LA trip had taken five hours.

Iran open World Cup training in Tijuana as tournament kicks off

· general

Iran's squad held a partially open training session at the Centro Xoloitzcuintle facility in Tijuana on 11 June 2026, the day the World Cup began. Only around a dozen of the 26 squad members were visible to media during the brief access window. The federation confirmed the team will fly to Los Angeles on 14 June, the day before their opening match against New Zealand.

Iran sports minister warns team could halt matches over unauthorised flags or slogans

· general

Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali said Iran has informed FIFA the team manager will halt any match if unofficial flags are brought into stadiums or anti-Iran slogans are chanted. FIFA gave assurances no disruptions are expected during Iran's group-stage matches. The warning follows broader tensions over visa denials and the revoked supporter ticket allocation.

Taremi and Jahanbakhsh speak out on visa tension surrounding World Cup

· general

Captain Taremi told ESPN he felt unprecedented tension at this World Cup due to visa denials, saying he had always expected a unique atmosphere of global-ness at previous tournaments but was not feeling it now. Jahanbakhsh added that the conflict back home made it very difficult, with players constantly checking on family and loved ones, and that this was affecting the group.

Iran say US revoked their supporters' World Cup ticket allocation

· general

Iran's football federation said on 9 June 2026 that the US has revoked the ticket allocation for its team's World Cup group games, leaving it unable to provide a single ticket to supporters. The federation said FIFA rules require 8 percent of tickets per match to go to participating federations, and that it had begun selling tickets before the withdrawal. Neither FIFA nor US organisers commented.

Mexico's National Guard escorts Iran to first Tijuana training session

· general

Mexico's National Guard escorted Iran's squad bus to a training session at Caliente Stadium in Tijuana on 8 June 2026. Security forces have patrolled outside the team hotel and escorted the delegation between accommodation and the stadium at its Centro Xoloitzcuintle base, after Iran moved its camp from Tucson, Arizona over US visa denials for staff including federation chief Mehdi Taj.

Iran land in Tijuana wearing gold '#168' pins honouring Minab school victims

· general

Iran's World Cup squad landed at Tijuana airport shortly after 5am on 7 June 2026 after an overnight flight from Ankara, wearing gold '#168' lapel pins on their suits. The badges honour the 168 people, mostly schoolgirls, killed in a missile strike on the Shajareh Tayyebeh school in Minab on 28 February. Worn in transit, they fall outside FIFA's ban on political symbols in match settings.

Iran squad departs Antalya for Tijuana amid US visa row over staff

· general

Iran's squad left Antalya at 15:20 local on 6 June 2026, flying via Spain to reach its Tijuana base early on 7 June. Players received US visas late on 5 June, but Iranian state TV said 14 backroom staff and officials, including secretary-general Hedayat Mombeini and vice-president Mehdi Mohammad Nabi, were denied US entry. The federation called the refusals political and would raise it with FIFA.

Iran players granted US visas after handing passports to embassy in Ankara

· general

Iran's footballers handed their passports to the US embassy in Ankara on 5 June 2026, and US Ambassador Tom Barrack confirmed visas were issued for the players, coaches, trainers and some support staff. Federation chief Mehdi Taj said he expected all visas to be granted, while US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said people with ties to the IRGC would not be allowed to embed in the delegation.

Iran rout Mali 6-0 in final World Cup warm-up behind closed doors

· matches

Iran beat Mali 6-0 at Mardan Stadium in Antalya on 4 June 2026 in their last pre-tournament friendly, played behind closed doors. It was the second warm-up of the Antalya camp after the 3-1 win over Gambia, and the squad is due to depart for its Tijuana base camp on 6 June.

Mexico issues Iran squad's visas within 48 hours; US visas still pending

· general

Iran's ambassador to Turkey, Mohammad Hassan Habibollahzadeh, said on 3 June 2026 that Mexico issued entry visas for its players and staff within 48 hours, waiving appearance and fingerprinting, and sent them to Iran's embassy in Ankara. US visas for the group-stage matches were not yet received, but federation chief Mehdi Taj expects them soon. The squad departs Antalya for Tijuana on 6 June.

Ghalenoei names final 26-man squad; Azmoun left out, Taremi captain

· squad

Iran coach Amir Ghalenoei announced his final 26-man World Cup squad on 1 June 2026, captained by Mehdi Taremi and including veterans Alireza Jahanbakhsh, Alireza Beiranvand and Ramin Rezaeian. Rouzbeh Cheshmi and Aria Yousefi were added; Sardar Azmoun, dropped in March, remains omitted. The list contains 17 home-based players whose clubs have not played since February.

Iran beat Gambia 3-1 in Antalya warm-up friendly

· matches

Iran came from behind to beat Gambia 3-1 in a friendly at the Mardan Sports Complex in Aksu, Antalya on 29 May 2026. Omar Colley put Gambia ahead before second-half goals from Aria Yousefi, Ramin Rezaeian and captain Mehdi Taremi sealed the win during Iran's pre-tournament camp in Turkey.

Iran demands US multiple-entry visas as squad waits, base camp set for Tijuana

· general

On 28 May 2026 federation president Mehdi Taj said the US must grant Iran's squad and staff multiple-entry visas, as the team will repeatedly leave and re-enter the country for matches from its FIFA-approved base camp at Centro Xoloitzcuintle in Tijuana, Mexico. The squad had not yet received visas, though some members attended appointments in Turkey the previous week.

Squad

PlayerPositionClub
Alireza BeiranvandGKTractor SC
Hossein HosseiniGKSepahan
Payam NiazmandGKPersepolis
Ehsan HajsafiDFSepahan
Shojae KhalilzadehDFTractor SC
Milad MohammadiDFPersepolis
Ramin RezaeianDFFoolad
Hossein KanaanizadeganDFPersepolis
Danial EiriDFMalavan Bandar Anzali
Ali NematiDFFoolad
Saleh HardaniDFEsteghlal
Aria YousefiDFSepahan
Saeid EzatolahiMFShabab Al Ahli
Rouzbeh CheshmiMFEsteghlal
Saman GhoddosMFIttihad Kalba
Mohammad GhorbaniMFAl Wahda
Amir RazzaghiniaMFEsteghlal
Alireza JahanbakhshFWFCV Dender EH
Mehdi TorabiFWTractor SC
Mehdi GhayediFWAl-Nasr
Ali AlipourFWPersepolis
Amirhossein HosseinzadehFWTractor SC
Dennis Eckert DarkahiFWStandard Liege
Mohammad MohebiFWRostov
Shahriyar MoghanlouFWIttihad Kalba
Mehdi TaremiFWOlympiacos

Recent results

  • 2023-11-16 — IRN 4-0 HKG (qualification)
  • 2023-11-21 — UZB 2-2 IRN (qualification)
  • 2024-01-05 — IRN 2-1 BFA (friendly)
  • 2024-01-09 — IDN 0-5 IRN (friendly)
  • 2024-03-21 — IRN 5-0 TKM (qualification)
  • 2024-03-26 — TKM 0-1 IRN (qualification)
  • 2024-06-06 — HKG 2-4 IRN (qualification)
  • 2024-06-11 — IRN 0-0 UZB (qualification)
  • 2024-09-05 — IRN 1-0 KGZ (qualification)
  • 2024-09-10 — UAE 0-1 IRN (qualification)
  • 2024-10-10 — UZB 0-0 IRN (qualification)
  • 2024-10-15 — IRN 4-1 QAT (qualification)
  • 2024-11-14 — PRK 2-3 IRN (qualification)
  • 2024-11-19 — KGZ 2-3 IRN (qualification)
  • 2025-03-20 — IRN 2-0 UAE (qualification)
  • 2025-03-25 — IRN 2-2 UZB (qualification)
  • 2025-06-05 — QAT 1-0 IRN (qualification)
  • 2025-06-10 — IRN 3-0 PRK (qualification)
  • 2025-10-10 — RUS 2-1 IRN (friendly)
  • 2025-10-14 — IRN 2-0 TAN (friendly)
  • 2026-03-27 — IRN 1-2 NGA (friendly)
  • 2026-03-31 — CRC 0-5 IRN (friendly)
  • 2026-05-29 — IRN 3-1 GAM (friendly)
  • 2026-06-04 — IRN 6-0 MLI (friendly)
  • 2026-06-15 — IRN 2-2 NZL (group)
  • 2026-06-21 — BEL 0-0 IRN (group)
  • 2026-06-26 — EGY 1-1 IRN (group)

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