FIFA World Cup 2026
Iran at the FIFA World Cup 2026
Overview
Iran is a large Middle Eastern republic between the Persian Gulf and Central Asia, Persian‑speaking with a majority Shia heritage, Tehran on the plateau as its capital, and a history spanning empires from the Elamites to the Safavids.
Iran have never lifted the trophy, but their best run is as World Cup group-stage regulars (1978, 1998, 2006, 2014, 2018, 2022) across 6 World Cup appearances. At the World Cup, Mehdi Taremi features prominently in the scoring charts for Iran with 2 goals. All-time, Ali Daei leads Iran's senior men's scoring list with 108 goals.
At World Cup 2026, Iran line up in Group G as AFC representatives from Asia. Group-stage fixtures against Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand open a competitive first-round schedule.
Quick facts
- Capital
- Tehran
- Continent
- Asia
- Federation
- AFC (Asia)
- Group
- G
- FIFA ranking (Nov 2025)
- #20
- World Cup titles
- 0
Geography
- Founded / established
- 1979
- Population
- 89,174,000
- Languages
- Persian (Farsi) (official)
- Currency
- Iranian rial (IRR)
- Area
- 1,648,195 km²
- Highest point
- Mount Damavand (5,610 m)
- Climate
- Hot arid plateaus; milder humid Caspian strip
- Land borders
- Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Iraq, Pakistan, Turkey, Turkmenistan
Football facts
- Appearances
- 6
- Best result
- Group stage (1978, 1998, 2006, 2014, 2018, 2022)
- Top scorer
- Mehdi Taremi (2)
- Debut
- 1978
2026 World Cup kits
Home kit
Main color: white
World Cup history
6 World Cup appearances
| Year | Result |
|---|---|
| 2026 | Qualified (2026) |
| 2022 | Group stage |
| 2018 | Group stage |
| 2014 | Group stage |
| 2006 | Group stage |
| 1998 | Group stage |
| 1978 | Group stage |
Frequently asked questions
- Has Iran ever won the FIFA World Cup?
- No. Iran have not won the men's World Cup; their best finish is World Cup group-stage regulars (1978, 1998, 2006, 2014, 2018, 2022).
- Which group is Iran in at World Cup 2026?
- Iran are in Group G. Group opponents include Belgium, Egypt, New Zealand.
- What is the capital of Iran?
- The capital city is Tehran.
- Which FIFA confederation does Iran belong to?
- Iran compete under AFC (Asia).
- How many World Cups has Iran played before 2026?
- Iran had appeared in 6 FIFA World Cups prior to qualifying for 2026.
- Who is Iran's all-time leading goal scorer?
- Ali Daei leads Iran's senior men's national team with 108 goals in FIFA-recognised matches.