IR Iran team profile - FIFA World Cup 2026
In the build-up to FIFA World Cup 2026 in USA, Canada and Mexico, we shine a spotlight on IR Iran.
FIFA World Ranking: 21
Confederation: AFC
Who is IR Iran’s head coach for FIFA World Cup 2026?
IR Iran’s head coach for FIFA World Cup 2026 is Amir Ghalenoei. He has been in charge since March 2023 in what is his second spell as head coach.
Who is IR Iran’s captain for FIFA World Cup 2026?
IR Iran’s captain for FIFA World Cup 2026 is Alireza Jahanbakhsh, who has been capped over 95 times for his country.
How many times have IR Iran participated in a FIFA World Cup before 2026?
6 – 1978, 1998, 2006, 2014, 2018, 2022
What is IR Iran’s best performance at a FIFA World Cup?
Group Stage – IR Iran have never made it past the group stage in each of their previous FIFA World Cup appearances.
How did IR Iran qualify for FIFA World Cup 2026?
IR Iran qualified for FIFA World Cup 2026 after finishing top of their group in the third round of the AFC qualification stage. After receiving a bye through the first round, the second round saw 36 teams drawn into nine groups with four, with IR Iran finishing top of Group E on 14 points having won four and drawn two of their six games.
The 18 teams who qualified through the second round were placed into three groups of six in the third round with the top two in each group qualifying for FIFA World Cup 2026. IR Iran finished first-place in Group A on 23 points, two points above second-placed Uzbekistan.
Confirmation of IR Iran’s FIFA World Cup 2026 qualification came on March 25, 2025 after a 2-2 draw at home to Uzbekistan in the eighth round of Group A matches.
Who are IR Iran’s star players?
Mehdi Taremi (Olympiacos) leads the line for IR Iran, the experienced forward having scored two of his country's four goals at FIFA World Cup 2026. Taremi registered ten goals in AFC qualifying, the joint-second most of any player who featured. Formerly of FC Porto and Inter Milan, the two-time Iranian Footballer of the Year boasts over 100 caps and more than 55 goals.
Wideman Alireza Jahanbakhsh (FCV Dender EH) has been a key figure for IR Iran now for a number of years and is one of just five Iranian players to play in the English Premier League. A former Eredivisie winner with Feyenoord, he is set to feature in his fourth consecutive FIFA World Cup.
Who is in IR Iran’s group at FIFA World Cup 2026?
IR Iran are in Group G, which consists of the following teams:
Belgium
Egypt
IR Iran
New Zealand
IR Iran’s Group G fixtures are as follows:
IR Iran vs New Zealand: Monday June 15, 2026 – 9:00pm ET, 2:00am UK (Tuesday)
Belgium vs IR Iran: Sunday June 21, 2026 – 3:00pm ET, 8:00pm UK
Egypt vs IR Iran: Friday June 26, 2026 – 11:00pm ET, 4:00am UK (Saturday)
All kick-off dates are based on a local kick-off time
Where is IR Iran’s base camp at FIFA World Cup 2026?
Centro Xoloitzcuintle – Tijuana, Mexico
Expert prediction for IR Iran’s chances at FIFA World Cup 2026
As is the case with fellow Group G nation Egypt, IR Iran are an improving team looking to finally break through and reach the knockout stage for the first time in their history. With key players like Taremi and Jahanbakhsh starting to age, FIFA World Cup 2026 feels critical for Amir Ghalenoei’s side, especially when considering the other teams within their group.
IR Iran won one game at FIFA World Cup 2022, picking up three points and finishing third-place in their group. With the increased number of teams at FIFA World Cup 2026, eight of 12 third-place finishers will qualify for the knockout stage, meaning four points from three games would more likely be enough.
When considering that IR Iran are a well-drilled, experienced unit with a proven goalscorer in Taremi, they should be stronger than New Zealand and are more than capable of taking points from their games against Egypt and Belgium. However, the likelihood is that they will wind up third in Group G, which probably makes them big underdogs come the round of 32, although just reaching that stage would be their best ever finish.
What round will IR Iran reach at FIFA World Cup 2026? Round of 32
