Iran
Iran return for a fourth consecutive tournament — the longest streak in their history — with the squad finally maturing into a knockout-capable side. Amir Ghalenoei, retained through 2026, runs a deep, organised 4-3-3 anchored by Sardar Azmoun (Shabab Al-Ahli) and Mehdi Taremi (Inter Milan), the most prolific Iranian striker pair in modern memory. Alireza Jahanbakhsh provides veteran experience on the wing; Saeid Ezatolahi and Saman Ghoddos screen midfield. Team Melli have never advanced past the group stage in 15 prior attempts, but the 2022 squad came within seconds of doing so against the United States. Group G with Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand is the most winnable draw they have ever received — second place is a genuine target.
Upcoming matches
Group G standings
| # | Teams | MP | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Belgium | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2 | Egypt | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 3 | Iran | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 4 | New Zealand | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |