Iran

Profile

Team Melli qualified with games to spare, extending Asia's most consistent World Cup record across the modern era. The experienced spine of Taremi and Azmoun — two of the most reliable strikers in European football over the past decade — remains potent despite moves to Saudi Arabia and other leagues. Coach Amir Ghalenoei has preserved the defensive organisation that made Iran difficult to beat at the 2022 World Cup, where they fell narrowly to England and the United States. Group G presents genuinely exciting possibilities: New Zealand are a winnable game, and Iran will target points against Egypt as well. The football-mad country has 90,000-capacity stadiums that will follow every match. Reaching the knockout rounds for the first time since 2006 — when the competition had just 32 teams and Iran failed to advance despite a spirited campaign — is an achievable and motivating target for Asia's most regularly present World Cup nation.

Iran fixtures

Players to watch

• Mehdi Taremi

  Forward · Olympiacos

  Iran's all-time leading scorer and most recognisable footballer, Taremi scored spectacular goals for Porto in the Champions League and has maintained his quality across leagues. His technical ability, hold-up play and composure in pressure moments — including penalties and important knockouts — make him the most dangerous Iranian striker at any World Cup.

• Sardar Azmoun

  Forward · Shabab Al Ahli

  Often called 'the Iranian Messi' for his technique and movement, Azmoun has impressed across multiple European leagues with his creative forward play. His ability to link up, create space for teammates and score from a variety of positions gives Iran a second potent attacking outlet that defences cannot afford to focus on Taremi alone.

• Alireza Jahanbakhsh

  Forward · Heerenveen

  A technically gifted winger who scored one of the most spectacular goals of the 2018 World Cup, Jahanbakhsh has had stints across multiple European countries. His pace, close control from wide positions and ability to cut inside and shoot give Iran width and creativity that unbalances the defensive structures they face.

Group G table