Iran has qualified for the World Cup seven times: 1978, 1998, 2006, 2014, 2018, 2022 and 2026.

Iran first participated in the qualifiers in 1974 and reached their first finals tournament just four years later in 1978. At that tournament, they lost to Holland and Peru, but held Scotland to a 1-1 draw.

In 1998, Iran qualified for a FIFA World Cup for the second time. They also recorded their first victory in the finals with a 2-1 defeat of the USA. However, they failed to reach the last sixteen after finding themselves in a group with Germany and Yugoslavia.

Iran has qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

1978

Iran didn't make it out of Group 4 at the 1978 FIFA World Cup.

1998

Iran didn't make it out of Group F at the 1998 FIFA World Cup.

2006

Iran didn't make it out of Group D at the 2006 FIFA World Cup.

2014

Iran didn't make it out of Group F at the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

2018

Iran didn't make it out of Group B at the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

2022

Iran didn't make it out of Group B at the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

2026

Iran have qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. They are in Group G and will play against top teams like Belgium, Egypt, and New Zealand.

Trivia

  • The Iranians had already proven their potential in previous years. Between 1968 and 1976, they lifted the Asian Cup on three occasions without losing a single game.