IR Iran have moved from qualification talk into squad talk for World Cup 2026. This page tracks the announced squad status as of May 20, 2026, the key names, group-stage fixtures and the selection questions that matter before kickoff.
IR Iran squad status
| Squad detail | Current status |
|---|---|
| Team | IR Iran |
| Coach | Amir Ghalenoei |
| Announcement status | IR Iran named an extended 30-player preliminary squad on 16 May 2026. |
| Group | Group G with Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand |
| Final FIFA list note | National announcements can still change before FIFA confirms final squad lists around 2 June 2026. |
Key squad story
Mehdi Taremi is included in the extended squad.
Sardar Azmoun is the headline omission from the preliminary list.
The squad must be reduced from 30 to the final FIFA list before the tournament.
Full announced squad list
- Goalkeepers: Alireza Beiranvand, Seyed Hossein Hosseini, Mohammad Khalifeh, Payam Niazmand
- Defenders include Danial Eiri, Ehsan Hajsafi, Saleh Hardani, Hossein Kanaani, Shoja Khalilzadeh, Milad Mohammadi and Ramin Rezaeian
- Midfielders include Saeid Ezatolahi, Saman Ghoddos, Alireza Jahanbakhsh, Mohammad Mohebi, Mehdi Torabi and Aria Yousefi
- Forwards include Ali Alipour, Dennis Dargahi, Hadi Habibinejad, Amirhossein Hosseinzadeh, Amirhossein Mahmoudi, Kasra Taheri and Mehdi Taremi
The biggest thing to watch is role clarity. A World Cup squad is not only a list of famous players: it is a minutes plan. Starters, penalty takers, set-piece takers, late substitutes, reserve goalkeepers and defensive cover all affect how far a team can go.
Group-stage fixtures
- 15 June: IR Iran v New Zealand - Los Angeles Stadium
- 21 June: Belgium v IR Iran - Los Angeles Stadium
- 26 June: Egypt v IR Iran - Seattle Stadium
IR Iran need enough points across those three matches to finish in the top two or compete strongly in the third-place race. The 48-team format gives more teams a route into the knockouts, but it also makes goal difference and late substitutions more important.
Fantasy, betting and player-watch angle
For fantasy football, the best picks are not always the most famous names. Minutes, penalty duty, clean-sheet probability, set pieces and group strength should decide the shortlist. For betting research, check licensed markets in your country and compare team progress odds with player markets before backing top scorer or award prices.
What can still change
- Injury replacements can alter the final list before the first match.
- A preliminary or expanded squad has to be cut to the permitted final size.
- Club form and late fitness tests can change the starting XI even when the squad list is known.
- Tournament roles can change after the first match if a team needs more control, pace or height.
