Iran

Iran, with its capital in Tehran and a population of 88 million, is known for ancient Persian civilization, poetry (Rumi, Hafez), stunning mosques, and saffron. Iran is home to one of the world's oldest civilizations, with the Persian Empire dating back to 550 BC under Cyrus the Great, who authored the first declaration of human rights.

In football, the Team Melli are a 6-time World Cup participant with their best result being Group stage (1978, 1998, 2006, 2014, 2018, 2022). Their World Cup journey began in 1978, and they enter the 2026 tournament with Mehdi Taremi as their talisman under head coach Amir Ghalenoei. Iran's Azadi Stadium in Tehran holds 100,000 and produces one of the most intimidating atmospheres in world football — qualifying matches there are near-impossible for opponents.

SeatNav's Power Index rates Iran at 5.8 out of 10, ranking them #19 overall and classifying them as an exciting dark horse. In Group H, they face Argentina, Norway, Cameroon in what has been categorized as a moderately challenging group (difficulty 5/10).

Iran supporters traveling to the 2026 World Cup can look forward to matches across multiple host cities in the United States. Follow SeatNav for ticket availability, venue guides, and match day information as the tournament approaches.