Iran: World Cup 2026 Squad, Fixtures, Standings & Kits
Iran arrive at the 2026 FIFA World Cup for their third consecutive tournament, a sequence that underlines the steady improvement of Asian football under Amir Ghalenoei’s management. Ghalenoei, who replaced the long-serving Carlos Queiroz after the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, guided Team Melli through a strong AFC qualifying campaign to secure their place in North America. The official 26-man squad was confirmed on 1 June 2026.
Iran are placed in Group G alongside Belgium, Egypt, and New Zealand. Their group stage matches take place in Vancouver and Seattle — venues that give the tournament an international flavour. The most talked-about story in the squad announcement was the absence of Sardar Azmoun, one of Iran’s most prolific strikers, omitted by Ghalenoei in a decision that divided Iranian football supporters.
What should fans know about Iran at World Cup 2026?
Iran are competing at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. They are placed in Group D and are managed by Amir Ghalenoei. The tournament runs from June 11 to July 19, 2026.
Iran — FIFA World Cup 2026
Group G · Coach: Amir Ghalenoei · Team Melli
Contents
Iran World Cup 2026 Squad
Ghalenoei confirmed his 26-man squad on 1 June 2026. The selection included 17 home-based players from the Persian Gulf Pro League — the highest domestic contingent at a World Cup for Team Melli. Of the nine overseas players, Taremi (Olympiacos), Jahanbakhsh (Dender), Ezatolahi (Shabab Al-Ahli), and Ghaedi (Al-Nassr) carry the most European experience.
Goalkeepers
Defenders
Midfielders
Forwards
The captain and Iran’s most complete striker. Taremi has proven himself at the highest level of European football — most recently at Olympiacos after a memorable spell at Inter Milan. His movement, link-up play, and ability to score from difficult positions make him Team Melli’s most dangerous weapon in attack.
Iran’s undisputed first-choice goalkeeper and one of the most experienced in Asian football. Beiranvand’s shot-stopping ability, commanding presence in the box, and composure under sustained pressure have kept Iran competitive in every World Cup campaign he has been part of.
The engine of Iran’s midfield. Ezatolahi’s ability to win the ball back, cover ground relentlessly, and dictate the tempo gives Iran a defensive midfield anchor that sets the tone for the whole team. He is among the most complete central midfielders in Asian football.
Iran’s most experienced international with over 100 caps. Jahanbakhsh’s creativity, direct dribbling, and ability to score and create from wide positions gives Ghalenoei a versatile threat on the right flank. His knowledge of European football is invaluable for a squad heavy with domestic-based players.
A creative midfielder who can play across the midfield or behind the striker. Ghoddos has spent years in Swedish and European football and brings a technical quality and calmness on the ball that Iran need when building attacks against organised defences.
One of Iran’s most experienced and versatile defenders. Hajsafi can operate at left-back or in the centre and has been part of Iran’s defensive structure at three consecutive World Cups. His reading of the game, set-piece delivery, and leadership make him crucial to Ghalenoei’s setup.
Tactics and Formation Under Amir Ghalenoei
Amir Ghalenoei organises Iran in a disciplined 4-2-3-1 or a compact 4-4-2 that prioritises defensive organisation first. The 17 home-based players in the squad reflect a coach who values collective understanding and tactical discipline over individual brilliance. Ezatolahi and Torabi form a tough defensive midfield screen, allowing the more creative Jahanbakhsh and Ghoddos to operate further forward without defensive responsibility.
In attack, Iran rely heavily on Taremi as the focal point — a lone striker who holds the ball up, brings others into play, and creates chances through movement and intelligent positioning. Against Belgium, Iran will park deep and look for set pieces and counter-attacks. Against New Zealand, Ghalenoei will push for early goals and control possession. The group decider against Egypt is the critical match for Iran’s tournament ambitions.
| Formation | Style | Key Shape | Primary Strength |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4-2-3-1 | Defensive block + counter | Ezatolahi + Torabi pivot; Taremi leads; Jahanbakhsh wide | Hard to break down, direct transitions |
| 4-4-2 | Compact shape + set pieces | Two rigid banks of four; Taremi + Alipour up front | Maximum defensive solidity |
| 4-3-3 | Pressing + wide play | High press off Taremi; Jahanbakhsh and Dargahi wide | Width and pace against weaker opponents |
Group G Fixtures — Iran at WC 2026
Matchday viewing routes are covered in the where to watch Iran football guide before kickoff.
Iran open against New Zealand at Los Angeles Stadium before facing Belgium in the same city and Egypt in Seattle. Those host-city kickoffs convert into early-morning, evening, and late-night windows for Iranian viewers. The Iran FIFA World Cup 2026 TV schedule converts every group fixture and knockout placeholder into IRST for TV and stream coverage.
| Date | Match | Venue | City |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 June 2026 | IR Iran vs New Zealand | Los Angeles Stadium | Los Angeles, USA |
| 21 June 2026 | Belgium vs IR Iran | Los Angeles Stadium | Los Angeles, USA |
| 26 June 2026 | Egypt vs IR Iran | Seattle Stadium | Seattle, USA |
Group G — FIFA World Cup 2026
| Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🇧🇪 Belgium | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 🇪🇬 Egypt | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 🇮🇷 Iran | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 🇳🇿 New Zealand | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Belgium are clear favourites to top Group G and are among the tournament’s genuine contenders. Iran and Egypt will battle for second place — the two sides know each other well and that match in Vancouver on 26 June could define both nations’ tournament fate. New Zealand are the weakest side in the group and provide Iran with their clearest opportunity to secure points early. A draw against Belgium and a win against New Zealand would put Iran in a strong position heading into the Egypt decider.
AFC World Cup Qualifying
Iran qualified for the 2026 World Cup by winning the AFC Third Round qualifying Group A. Ghalenoei’s side went unbeaten throughout the final qualifying phase, opening with two narrow wins before being held to a draw by Uzbekistan. After that setback, Iran responded with four consecutive victories to secure top spot and automatic qualification. The campaign showed a team that is hard to beat and knows how to win tight matches.
| Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🇮🇷 Iran | 8 | 7 | 1 | 0 | — | — | 22 |
| 🇺🇿 Uzbekistan | 8 | 5 | 2 | 1 | — | — | 17 |
| 🇦🇪 | 8 | 4 | 1 | 3 | — | — | 13 |
| 🇰🇬 Kyrgyzstan | 8 | 1 | 2 | 5 | — | — | 5 |
Iran 2026 World Cup Kits
Iran’s national colours are green, white, and red — taken directly from the Iranian flag. The home white kit with green trim is traditional and clean. Their 2026 World Cup kits are manufactured by Macron. Official kit images will be updated when released by the FFIRI and Macron.
Iran at the World Cup
Iran have appeared at the World Cup six times, with their most memorable moment coming in 1998 when they beat the United States 2–1 in Lyon — a politically charged match that transcended sport. Despite regular qualification in the modern era, Iran have never progressed beyond the group stage. Changing that record is the mission Ghalenoei has given himself at this tournament.
| Year | Stage | Notable Result |
|---|---|---|
| 1978 | Group Stage | Only win: a 1–0 victory over Scotland |
| 1998 | Group Stage | Famous 2–1 win over USA; eliminated on goal difference |
| 2006 | Group Stage | Draws with Mexico and Angola; lost to Portugal |
| 2014 | Group Stage | Drew with Nigeria; lost to Argentina 1–0 and Bosnia |
| 2018 | Group Stage | Drew with Portugal 1–1; lost to Spain and Morocco |
| 2022 | Group Stage | Lost to England 6–2; beat Wales 2–0; lost to USA 1–0 |
| 2026 | TBD | Group G: Belgium, Egypt, New Zealand |
The pattern of Iran at World Cups is consistent: qualify comfortably through Asia, compete hard but fall short in a tough group. In 2026, Group G offers their clearest path to the knockout rounds in years. New Zealand are beatable, and Egypt are not far above Iran’s level. If Ghalenoei’s defensive structure holds and Taremi can find form, a first knockout stage appearance is within reach for Team Melli.
Frequently Asked Questions
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