FIFA World Cup 2026 Iran: Schedule, How to Watch, History & Record
Iran has never won a game at a World Cup that anyone remembers as a turning point. Until 1998, when they beat the United States 2-1 in Lyon and an entire nation poured into the streets. That moment defined Team Melli for a generation, and now, 28 years later, they arrive at another World Cup with another chance to write history.
Drawn into Group G alongside Belgium, Egypt, and New Zealand, Iran will play two of their three group matches at Los Angeles Stadium, deep in one of the largest Iranian diaspora communities in the world.
This is Iran’s seventh World Cup. Amir Ghalenoei, in his second stint as head coach since March 2023, guided Team Melli through a dominant qualifying campaign. Iran sit 21st in the FIFA World Ranking as of April 1, 2026.
The group is open. Belgium’s golden generation has faded, Egypt have one elite player in Salah and little around him, and New Zealand are there to make up the numbers. Iran, for the first time, can enter a World Cup group believing they should advance.
Iran World Cup 2026 Schedule (Local Time)
Iran operates on Iran Standard Time (IRST), which is UTC+3:30. There is no daylight saving time in summer, so all times below are fixed. These are late-night or early-morning kicks for fans watching from Tehran.
| Date | Opponent | Time (IRST) | Time (ET) | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 15, 2026 | New Zealand | June 16, 5:30 AM | 9:00 PM | Los Angeles Stadium |
| June 21, 2026 | Belgium | 11:30 PM | 3:00 PM | Los Angeles Stadium |
| June 26, 2026 | Egypt | June 27, 7:30 AM | 11:00 PM | Seattle Stadium |
Two of Iran’s three matches fall at Los Angeles Stadium, inside one of the largest Persian diaspora communities in the world. Expect Iranian flags throughout the stands.
The final group match moves to Seattle Stadium for what could be a decisive clash with Egypt. The top two from each group advance to the Round of 32, and the eight best third-placed teams also advance.
How to Watch the World Cup 2026 in Iran
beIN Sports holds exclusive broadcasting rights across the Middle East and North Africa, including Iran, covering all 104 matches. For streaming, beIN Connect carries all matches on iOS, Android, and smart TVs. Fans can also catch select matches free on FIFA+.
How to Stream the World Cup 2026 in Iran
In the US, Fox broadcasts 70 matches free over the air with FS1 carrying the rest. The FOX Sports App streams all 104 matches. Spanish-language fans can watch on Telemundo free or stream on Peacock Premium ($7.99/month).
| Platform | Language | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| beIN Connect | Arabic / English | Subscription | All 104 matches, iOS & Android |
| FIFA+ | Multiple | Free | Select matches where rights allow |
| Fox / FS1 (US) | English | Free / Cable | All 104 matches across both channels |
| Telemundo / Peacock (US) | Spanish | Free / $7.99/mo | 92 matches free on Telemundo |
How to Listen to the World Cup 2026 in Iran
Radio coverage for Team Melli is traditionally carried by IRIB (Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting), with live Persian-language commentary across its national networks. Iranian fans in the United States can tune into Persian-language radio stations in Los Angeles and the San Francisco Bay Area, which typically carry national team matches during major tournaments.
Iran World Cup History & Record
Iran have made six World Cup appearances before 2026 and have never advanced past the group stage. The record has improved in recent cycles: 2022 in Qatar produced three points and a stunning 2-0 win over Wales, even if losses to England and the United States ended their campaign.
1978 was Iran’s World Cup debut in Argentina. They drew 1-1 with Scotland but lost heavily to the Netherlands and Peru, finishing bottom of their group.
1998 remains the defining chapter of Iranian World Cup history. The match against the United States in Lyon carried extraordinary political weight. Iran won 2-1 through goals from Hamid Estili and Mehdi Mahdavikia, sending millions into the streets of Tehran. They exited in the group stage, but the victory resonates to this day.
2006 brought frustration in Group D, with one draw and two losses. 2014 under Carlos Queiroz was tactically disciplined. Iran held Argentina to 0-0 for 91 minutes before Messi scored late. They drew with Nigeria and lost to Bosnia to go home with one point.
2018 in Russia saw Iran beat Morocco 1-0 through an own goal before losing narrowly to Spain and Portugal. 2022 in Qatar produced three points. Iran stunned Wales 2-0 with two stoppage-time goals, but heavy losses to England and the United States ended their campaign.
Overall World Cup Record
| Stat | Total |
|---|---|
| Appearances (before 2026) | 6 |
| Matches Played | 18 |
| Wins | 3 |
| Draws | 4 |
| Losses | 11 |
| Goals For | 13 |
| Goals Against | 31 |
| Best Finish | Group Stage |
Tournament-by-Tournament Results
| Year | Stage | W | D | L | GF | GA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1978 | Group Stage | 0 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 8 |
| 1998 | Group Stage | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 4 |
| 2006 | Group Stage | 0 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 6 |
| 2014 | Group Stage | 0 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 4 |
| 2018 | Group Stage | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| 2022 | Group Stage | 1 | 0 | 2 | 4 | 7 |
Iran World Cup 2026 Predictions and Analysis
The group draw handed Iran a genuine opportunity. Belgium are the clear favourites, but they arrive without Romelu Lukaku and Kevin De Bruyne at their peaks, rebuilding around a younger core. Egypt have Mohamed Salah, but little else to terrify a well-organised backline.
New Zealand are the weakest team in the group. Iran, if they arrive organised and clinical, can take six points from two winnable games and reach the Round of 32 for the first time ever.
Beat New Zealand on June 15, hold Belgium on June 21, and the Egypt game in Seattle becomes a straight shootout for the second spot. That is a realistic path.
Tactically, Iran sit in a compact 4-3-3 or 4-5-1 shape out of possession, pressing through midfield and relying on quick transitions. They defend deep against top opponents and spring forward with pace. Against New Zealand and Egypt, they will look to create from wide areas.
Mehdi Taremi (Olympiacos) is the captain and the heartbeat of this side. At 33, he carries Champions League experience and two World Cup campaigns. He is Iran’s third all-time scorer with 56 international goals and remains the focal point of the attack.
Allahyar Sayyadmanesh (KVC Westerlo) provides pace and directness from wide positions. At 24, he is one of Iran’s most dangerous attackers on the break and brings valuable European-league experience from Belgium’s Pro League.
Majid Hosseini (Kayserispor) anchors the defence. The centre-back has played in Turkey’s Süper Lig for several seasons and brings physical presence and aerial ability that will be crucial against Egypt’s set-piece threat and Belgium’s delivery from wide.
Iran’s most realistic path leads to second in the group and a Round of 32 appearance. That would be their greatest World Cup achievement in seven attempts. Getting past Belgium is a taller order. But Group G is winnable enough that second place is not just a dream.
Iran FIFA World Cup 2026 FAQs
What group is Iran in at the 2026 World Cup?
Iran are in Group G alongside Belgium, Egypt, and New Zealand. Their group stage matches run from June 15 to June 26, 2026, with two games at Los Angeles Stadium and one at Seattle Stadium.
When is Iran’s first match at the 2026 World Cup?
Iran’s first match is on June 15, 2026, against New Zealand at Los Angeles Stadium. Kick-off is at 9:00 PM ET (5:30 AM IRST on June 16).
How did Iran qualify for the 2026 World Cup?
Iran topped AFC Third Round Group A with a 7W-2D-1L record, 23 points, two clear of Uzbekistan. They confirmed qualification on March 25, 2025, after a 2-2 home draw with Uzbekistan.
How can I watch Iran’s World Cup matches for free?
beIN Sports holds exclusive rights for the MENA region including Iran, requiring a beIN Connect subscription. US fans can watch free on Fox (English) or Telemundo (Spanish), both over the air.
Who is Iran’s head coach at the 2026 World Cup?
Amir Ghalenoei is Iran’s head coach, in his second stint since March 2023. His first spell from 2007 to 2008 produced 16 matches without a loss. He led Esteghlal to domestic titles before returning to the national team for 2026.
What is Iran’s best ever World Cup result?
Iran have never advanced past the group stage in six appearances. Their most memorable result came in 1998, a 2-1 win over the United States in Lyon. In 2026, they have a genuine chance to go further than ever before.
Do I need a visa to watch Iran at the World Cup in the USA?
Iranian citizens are not eligible for the US Visa Waiver Program and must apply for a B-1/B-2 visitor visa to travel to the United States for World Cup matches. Apply well in advance through the US State Department visa portal, as processing times can vary significantly.
Who are Iran’s key players at the 2026 World Cup?
Mehdi Taremi (Olympiacos) leads the attack as captain, Iran’s third all-time scorer with 56 international goals. Allahyar Sayyadmanesh (KVC Westerlo) adds pace from wide areas, and Majid Hosseini (Kayserispor) anchors the backline.
World Cup 2026 Iran arrives with more to play for than at any previous tournament. A strong FIFA ranking of 21st, a dominant qualifying campaign, and a favourable group draw have set the stage for Team Melli to finally break the group stage curse that has defined six previous attempts.
Whether Ghalenoei’s side can convert that opportunity into history will be the most compelling storyline in Group G.
