IR Iran

Iran hold the record for most World Cup wins by an Asian team that has never reached the knockouts — three group-stage victories (USA 1998, Morocco 2018, Wales 2022) but zero progression.

Sardar Azmoun, Iran's all-time second top scorer with 57 goals, was omitted from the squad — Iranian media attributed it to injury, though political tensions within the federation were also widely reported.

Iran's qualifying campaign was dominant: 31 goals, just 4 conceded, and only one defeat across the entire AFC third-round qualification cycle.

Mehdi Taremi scored both of Iran's goals against England at Qatar 2022 — the first Iranian to net twice in a single World Cup match — and his stoppage-time penalty, clocked at 102:30, was the latest goal ever scored in a World Cup group game at the time.

The squad features 17 domestic-based players — the highest proportion of Iran Pro League representation at a World Cup — reflecting Ghalenoei's strong links to Persian Gulf Pro League football.

Before the politically loaded Iran-USA clash at France 1998, the Iranian players handed white roses to the Americans and both teams posed for a joint photo — then Iran won 2-1 for their first-ever World Cup victory.

Iran's road to France 1998 was sealed in front of 85,000 fans at the Melbourne Cricket Ground — trailing Australia 2-0 with 15 minutes left, they scored twice to qualify on away goals, igniting wild street parties across Tehran.