Iran’s chances of reaching the World Cup knockout stages are very much alive, following a pair of draws against New Zealand and Belgium.
Team Melli have competed in six previous World Cups, but have never made it past the group stage/first round. However, they did manage to beat Wales 2-0 at Qatar 2022, and only lost 1-0 to the United States in their final group game, when a point would have been enough to see them through.
Iran qualified for the 2026 tournament with relative ease, finishing top of Round Two Group E with 14 points from six games, before topping Round Three Group A with 23 points from 10 games.
Iran will fancy their chances of sneaking through to the knockout rounds for the first time on this occasion, so let’s take a look at everything you need to know about them.
Read more: FIFA World Cup Draw: Find out who will play who in 2026
Iran odds to win the World Cup
With initial odds of 750/1, Iran weren’t absolute outsiders, but you wouldn’t count them among the dark horses like Japan (50/1) or Senegal (125/1) either.
Either way, Bookmakers definitely view them as a dangerous side in the group stage – capable of springing a surprise, as proven by holding Belgium.
Iran odds to win Group G
Most still see Belgium as the heavy favourites to win Group G, though Egypt have since usurped them. Iran were expected to battle the latter for second place.
Iran World Cup top goalscorer odds
Ramin Rezaeian is Iran’s best bet for the World Cup Golden Boot award.
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