Iran

🌍 World Cup Story

Iran have qualified for every World Cup since 1998 (2002, 2006, 2014, 2018, 2022) plus 1978 — six appearances in total. Their most famous moment came in 1998 when they beat the United States 2-1 in a politically charged match in France — still the most watched sporting event in Iranian history, with tens of millions celebrating in the streets of Tehran. In 2022 they were embroiled in controversy when their players refused to sing the national anthem in solidarity with protests back home — a courageous and historic political act. They advanced from the group stage before falling to the USA. Mehdi Taremi (Inter Milan) is a world-class striker whose composure and technical ability is at the highest level.