Iran

Iran — Team Melli — are drawn into Group G alongside Belgium, Egypt, and New Zealand. Iran are Asia's most experienced World Cup nation alongside South Korea and Japan, and they arrive in 2026 looking to finally break through the group stage for the first time.

Belgium and Egypt are the group's top two seeds, but Iran have a reputation for making life difficult for every opponent. Their disciplined, physical approach has produced results against major teams (a 1-1 draw with England in 1998, near-miss against Argentina in 2014, victory over Morocco in 2018).

Why this group matters: Iran have appeared in six World Cups and have never advanced past the group stage. The 48-team format, which allows some third-place teams to advance, gives Iran their best structural opportunity ever.

New Zealand on Matchday 1 is a must-win. Belgium on Matchday 2 in Los Angeles is the critical middle game. Egypt on Matchday 3 in Seattle closes the group against a dangerous opponent.

Iran have appeared in 6 FIFA World Cups:

• Best finish: Group stage (all appearances)
• 1998: Iran's most celebrated World Cup moment — a 2-1 victory over the USA in a match charged with geopolitical significance. The "Game of Peace" was one of the most politically important football matches ever played.
• 2014: Iran came within seconds of holding Argentina to a 0-0 draw before Messi scored a late winner. The performance demonstrated Iran's defensive discipline.
• 2018: Beat Morocco 1-0 and drew with Portugal 1-1 (a late penalty equalizer denied them advancement). Iran narrowly missed the knockout rounds on goal difference.
• 2022: Beat Wales 2-0 in a dramatic match but lost to the USA and England. Off-field protests and political tensions overshadowed the football.

Iran's World Cup identity is one of defiant resistance — small margins, near-misses, and the belief that one day they will break through.

• Deep defensive block that limits space for opponents
• Taremi as a lone target man who holds the ball and brings runners into play
• Quick counter-attacks through Azmoun's pace and Jahanbakhsh's delivery
• Set-piece specialization — Beiranvand's throws are a genuine attacking weapon
• Physical commitment — Iran contest every aerial duel and second ball

The approach is pragmatic and effective. Iran will not try to outplay Belgium or Egypt — they will try to suffocate them. Against New Zealand, expect Iran to be more adventurous.

Iranian football culture is among the most passionate in Asia, with football serving as a unifying force across a diverse, complex nation.

• Team Melli devotion: "Melli" means "national," and the team carries enormous emotional weight. Millions of Iranians gather to watch matches, with streets emptying during World Cup games.
• Iranian-American community: An estimated 1-2 million Iranian-Americans live in the US, concentrated in Los Angeles ("Tehrangeles"), Washington DC, and New York. Expect significant support at Miami matches.
• Emotional intensity: Iranian fans experience football with maximum emotional investment. The 1998 victory over the USA remains one of the most celebrated moments in Iranian sporting history.
• Women's participation: Iranian women have historically faced restrictions on attending football matches domestically. The World Cup provides an opportunity for Iranian women to support the team freely.

Why to watch if you are a casual fan: Iran are the ultimate cussed opponent — they refuse to be beaten easily, they defend with their lives, and they produce dramatic late goals (the 2018 Portugal match was extraordinary). Mehdi Taremi at Inter Milan has proven he can compete with the world's best. And the Iranian-American community in the US will bring a passionate atmosphere.

Iran need to beat New Zealand, compete with Egypt, and hope for fine margins. Third place in the group is the realistic target.

Prediction: Group stage exit. Iran will be competitive and hard to beat but are unlikely to finish above Belgium or Egypt. The best-case scenario is a third-place finish that qualifies them for the Round of 32 under the expanded format. Even that would be a historic achievement for Team Melli.