ESP 100%
FRA 12%
BRA 11%
ENG 10%
GER 8%
Tournament outlook
As of July 19, 2026, Iran have a 0.5% market-implied probability of winning the 2026 World Cup (+19900), the 27th-best odds of any team, based on live model estimates.
Iran are well-drilled and carry proven goalscorers in Taremi and Azmoun. The long-held dream is to finally escape the group stage.
Managed by Amir Ghalenoei, Iran head into the 2026 World Cup in Group G, where they face Belgium, Egypt, New Zealand. With a FIFA ranking of #21, expectations are calibrated accordingly, but tournament football has a way of rewriting the script.
Key players
Mehdi Taremi is an Iranian professional footballer who plays as a striker for Super League Greece club Olympiacos and the Iran national team.
Sardar Azmoun is an Iranian professional footballer who plays as a forward for UAE Pro League club Shabab Al Ahli.
Alireza Jahanbakhsh is an Iranian professional footballer who plays as a winger for Belgian Pro League club Dender and captains the Iran national team.
Strengths & weaknesses
▲ Strengths
- Experienced strikers
- Defensive resilience
- Set-pieces
▼ Weaknesses
- Breaking down deep blocks
- Knockout experience
How far can Iran go?
Iran will treat the group stage as their proving ground. An upset over a higher-ranked side would make their tournament a success. Follow our matchup previews and live odds throughout the group stage to track their progress.
