Qualification Journey

Iran secured their spot in the 2026 World Cup with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Saudi Arabia in a qualifier at Azadi Stadium. This win not only guaranteed their place in the tournament but also solidified Iran’s status as one of the strongest teams in Asia.

The qualification campaign was marked by several key moments:

• Early dominance in AFC qualifiers
• Key victories against South Korea and United Arab Emirates
• Final dramatic win against Saudi Arabia

This qualification marks Iran’s 7th appearance in the FIFA World Cup, with their best performance being Group Stage appearances in 1978, 1998, 2006, 2014, 2018, and 2022.