Fifa World Cup 2026: What you need to know about Iran

Get the lowdown on every team at the 2026 World Cup. Here we take a closer look at Iran.

What can I expect from Iran?

Iran are hoping to reach the knockout rounds for the first time, but even getting to the group stage had been in doubt after 47 years of tension with the USA finally exploded into war on 28 February.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino doesn't like football being "dragged into political battles" but the two worlds do occasionally collide – Team 1 from Group D had launched air strikes at Team 3 from Group G.

Awkwardly, Team 1 was the World Cup host nation, and the inaugural winner of the FIFA Peace Prize had given the order.

Infantino insisted Iran would be at the World Cup and play their matches at the prescripted venues (all, rather unhelpfully, in the USA). He didn't budge, despite President Trump saying Iran shouldn't participate "for their own life and safety".

Prudently, Iran have moved their training base to Mexico.

What are Iran's strengths?

National icon Mehdi Taremi is a reliable source of goals and will also link the play. Much rests on his shoulders, although they will hope to profit from having plenty of height in the team when it comes to attacking set-pieces.

A small clutch of players have top-five European league experience.

And what about their weaknesses?

Domestic players haven't played league football since it was suspended in March due to the conflict.

It's an ageing squad (only Panama's is older) with lingering defensive issues.

Outside noise could distract, while – perhaps inevitably among a group of 26 – the squad is by no means of one mind on political matters.

How might Iran line up?

Which players should I look out for?

The talents of Mehdi Taremi have taken him to Porto, Inter and now Olympiakos. He scored both goals against England in Qatar. Fellow striker Sardar Azmoun has been dropped for political reasons, putting even more pressure on Taremi.

Dennis Eckert – or Dennis Dargahi as his name appears on his brand-new Iranian passport – is a versatile German-born forward who was uncapped when the squad was announced.

Goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand suffered concussion after 24 minutes of their opener against England four years ago. It was 0-0 at the time; they lost 6-2. He's Iran's undisputed No.1.

Who is Iran's head coach?

Amir Ghalenoei is having his second crack at the job, after a brief stint in 2006 ended with the sack. His many critics argue he is neglecting defensive issues and not promoting younger prospects.

How did Iran qualify?

Iran coasted through qualification, securing their World Cup spot in March 2025. Only New Zealand and Japan did so quicker.

Where can I watch Iran?

All of Iran's matches will also be covered live on the BBC Sport website and app with updates, analysis, and fan reaction. Come and be part of it!

Give me a fact to impress my friends

Blond Germany-born striker Dennis Eckert has been chasing Iranian citizenship for years due to his dad's heritage. The passport came through just in time. Eckert will play as Dennis Dargahi at this World Cup.

His Iranian credentials are impeccable – his aunt is a famous actress over there.

Now give me some proper detail

Even when they're not at war with the hosts, the nature of the Iranian regime means there is noise whenever the national football team plays.

The treatment of protestors led to calls for Iran to be banned from Qatar 2022. Before they played England, the Iranian players refused to sing their national anthem.

Iran in the USA was always going to be problematic, but the draw didn't help. Prior to the ceremony last winter, the City of Seattle announced that one of its fixtures would be a "Pride Match" to coincide with the city's LGBTQ+ festival. The two sides drawn to play that game were Iran, where homosexuality is illegal, and Egypt. To date, the teams remain reluctant festival participants.

In January, several domestic Iranian footballers were among those killed during anti-regime protests. Talismanic forward Mehdi Taremi expressed his solidarity. Players from the Iran women's team then sought asylum in Australia after refusing to sing the national anthem at their Asian Cup.

And then, war. Striker Sardar Azmoun lost his place in the World Cup squad for posting a picture of himself with the ruler of Dubai while Iran and the UAE were bombing each other.

Incidentally, the draw threw up one more piece of mischief – if both Iran and the USA finish second in their respective groups, they will meet in Dallas on 3 July.

How have Iran done at previous World Cups?

Iran claimed just their third World Cup victory by beating Wales in Qatar four years ago. This is their fourth straight World Cup and seventh in total.