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Here’s everything you need to know about Iran’s team heading into the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Iran have secured qualification for the 2026 World Cup, marking their fourth consecutive appearance at football’s biggest stage. Under head coach Amir Ghalenoei, Team Melli impressed during the qualifiers, winning seven out of ten matches to finish top of their group and clinch automatic qualification for the finals in the USA, Mexico, and Canada.

Star forward Mehdi Taremi once again proved decisive in Iran’s campaign. The Olympiacos striker scored 10 goals in 15 appearances, continuing his fine form at the age of 33. He will now prepare for his third World Cup appearance with Team Melli.

Iran have participated in six World Cups to date but have never advanced beyond the group stage. Ghalenoei’s men will aim to break that barrier this time as they face New Zealand, Belgium, and Egypt in Group G.

Goalkeepers

Seasoned custodian Alireza Beiranvand is expected to retain his position as Iran’s first-choice goalkeeper. The 33-year-old brings a wealth of experience, having earned more than 80 international caps for his country.

The final squad confirms that Hossein Hosseini will once again compete for the starting spot, though he may have to settle for a back-up role. Payam Niazmand joins them as part of the goalkeeping trio, while young Mohammad Khalifeh narrowly missed out on selection for the finals.

Defenders

Iran’s defensive unit blends experience and depth for the upcoming tournament. Saleh Hardani has firmly established himself at full-back, while the dependable centre-back partnership of Shojae Khalilzadeh and Hossein Kanaanizadegan provides solidity at the heart of defence.

The confirmed defensive line-up includes seasoned campaigners like Ali Nemati, Ehsan Hajsafi, Ramin Rezaeian, and Milad Mohammadi, each bringing valuable international experience to the side. Young defender Danial Eiri also makes the cut, offering a youthful option for Ghalenoei’s backline.

Midfielders

Saman Ghoddos is expected to play a pivotal role for Iran after earning selection following his season with UAE’s Kalba. Another key figure, Saeid Ezatolahi, returns to full fitness after recovering from a foot injury that kept him out of action earlier this year. The Shabab Al-Ahli midfielder will be central to Iran’s midfield plans this summer.

Manager Amir Ghalenoei has chosen a balanced midfield mix of experience and youthful energy. The lineup features established names such as Mohammad Ghorbani, Rouzbeh Cheshmi, Mehdi Torabi, and Aria Yousefi, alongside proven stars like Alireza Jahanbakhsh, Mohammad Mohebi, and Mehdi Ghayedi. Youngster Amirmohammad Razzaghinia has also earned a spot, adding creativity and flair to Team Melli’s midfield options.

Attackers

Mehdi Taremi continues to be the focal point of Iran’s attack and will make his third World Cup appearance for the national team. The 33-year-old Olympiacos forward brings vast international experience, having earned over 100 caps. Alireza Jahanbakhsh provides width and pace from the flanks, while Mehdi Ghayedi will look to make an impact after securing his place in the squad.

As confirmed in the official announcement, Sardar Azmoun has been left out of the final squad after missing earlier friendlies due to controversy surrounding alleged government-related issues. His record of 57 goals in 91 appearances leaves a significant gap up front, prompting Ghalenoei to select a five-man attacking group.

The confirmed forwards for the tournament are Mehdi Taremi (Olympiacos), Dennis Eckert (Standard Liège), Shahriyar Moghanlou (Kalba), Ali Alipour (Persepolis), and Amirhossein Hosseinzadeh (Tractor), with Eckert earning a permanent place after impressing in recent call-ups.

Iran’s Key Players

Mehdi Taremi will once again be Iran’s main source of goals at the World Cup. The prolific striker, who has already scored more than 50 goals for the national team, comes into the tournament after another strong season in Greece with Olympiacos. Taremi is no stranger to scoring on the biggest stage, having netted twice against England in a 6-2 defeat during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand is another prominent figure with an inspiring story. Having left his nomadic family at 12 and spent his teenage years living on the streets of Tehran while chasing his football dream, Beiranvand’s journey to becoming Iran’s No. 1 is remarkable. He famously saved a penalty from Cristiano Ronaldo at the 2018 World Cup — the first time Portugal had missed a spot-kick in the tournament’s history.

Predicted Iran Starting XI for World Cup 2026

Veteran Alireza Beiranvand is likely to start in goal, with Hossein Hosseini as backup. Iran could line up in a traditional four-man defence featuring Saleh Hardani at right-back and Milad Mohammadi on the left, with Shojae Khalilzadeh partnering Hossein Kanaanizadegan in central defence.

In midfield, Amir Ghalenoei is expected to deploy Saeid Ezatolahi and Saman Ghoddos as the holding pair behind an attacking trio of Alireza Jahanbakhsh, Mehdi Ghayedi, and Mohammad Mohebi, supporting the lone striker Mehdi Taremi.

Predicted Iran Starting XI (4-2-3-1): Beiranvand; Hardani, Khalilzadeh, Kanaanizadegan, Mohammadi; Ezatolahi, Ghoddos; Jahanbakhsh, Ghayedi, Mohebi; Taremi.