7
WC Appearances
including 2026
Group Stage
Best Result
all-time
None
Titles
yet to win
#24
FIFA Ranking
April 2026 (approx.)
About Iran
Iran, the most successful Asian nation at World Cup qualifying, make their seventh tournament appearance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Team Melli boast a prolific striker in Inter Milan's Mehdi Taremi and experienced wide men including Feyenoord's Alireza Jahanbakhsh and the combative Sardar Azmoun. Coach Afshin Ghotbi has returned to lead a team that is consistently competitive in Asian football. Group G alongside Belgium, Egypt, and New Zealand offers Iran a genuine path to the round of 16 for the first time since 2006. Breaking through from the group would be a landmark result for Iranian football.
Team Base Camp
🇲🇽 Mexico
Base camp
Tijuana, Baja California
Team Melli train at Club Tijuana's Xolos training centre. The border-city location gives them quick US access for matches while keeping them in Mexico for visa and political simplicity.
Per FIFA regulations (§18.3), Iran stays at this base camp for the entire group stage and travels to each match venue one day before kickoff (and returns the same night or the next day).
Distance to each group-stage match
Straight-line distance from Tijuana to each match stadium. Actual travel adds airport time on flights.
Key Players
Alireza Beiranvand
Milad Mohammadi
Danial Eiri
Rouzbeh Cheshmi
Kasra Taheri
Head Coach
Afshin Ghotbi
2026 Group
Group G
Iran at the 2026 World Cup
All times shown are local to the stadium
World Cup History
| Year | Stage Reached | |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Group Stage | |
| 2018 | Group Stage | |
| 2014 | Group Stage | |
| 2006 | Group Stage | |
| 1998 | Group Stage | |
| 1978 | Group Stage |
7 appearances total · Includes all World Cups as Iran
Iran World Cup 2026 FAQ
What group is Iran in for the 2026 World Cup?+
Iran is in Group G of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, alongside Belgium, Egypt, New Zealand.
Who is the manager of Iran at the 2026 World Cup?+
Afshin Ghotbi manages Iran at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
What is Iran's FIFA ranking?+
Iran is ranked #24 in the FIFA World Rankings heading into the 2026 World Cup.
How many World Cups has Iran played in?+
Iran has appeared in 7 FIFA World Cups including 2026. Their best result is Group Stage.
When does Iran play in the 2026 World Cup?+
Iran's 2026 World Cup group stage matches: June 16 vs New Zealand; June 21 vs Belgium; June 26 vs Egypt. Knockout matches are determined by group stage results.
Who are Iran's key players for the 2026 World Cup?+
Key players to watch for Iran include Alireza Beiranvand, Milad Mohammadi, Danial Eiri, Rouzbeh Cheshmi, Kasra Taheri.
Where is Iran's base camp for the 2026 World Cup?+
Iran will be based in Tijuana, Baja California (Mexico), training at Centro Xoloitzcuintle. Per FIFA regulations, the team stays at this base camp throughout the group stage and travels to match venues one day before each game.