Iran at the 2026 World Cup – Squad, Stats, Fixtures & History

Iran are at their 7th World Cup but have NEVER advanced beyond the group stage — managing just three wins across 18 previous tournament matches. Captain Alireza Jahanbakhsh has 98 caps and is the experienced leader on the pitch. Star striker Mehdi Taremi (33) heads to what is likely his final World Cup at the peak of his goalscoring powers. Veteran defender Ehsan Hajsafi is just 4 matches away from equalling Javad Nekounam's all-time Iran record of 149 caps. Group G with Belgium, Egypt, and New Zealand — opens against New Zealand on June 16 in Los Angeles, then Belgium on June 21, finishing against Egypt on June 27 in Seattle. The Egypt match in Seattle has been designated by the City of Seattle as a Pride Match — a designation Iran's federation has formally opposed. Mohammad Khalifeh and Omid Noorafkan are on the official standby list and can be called in as injury replacements up to 24 hours before matches.