Iran

Iran are one of Asia’s most established football nations. Team Melli have won the AFC Asian Cup three times and have built a reputation for strong organisation, passionate support and players capable of making big moments at major tournaments.

Their World Cup story has been full of memorable matches, but Iran are still chasing a first appearance in the knockout rounds. They have produced famous tournament moments, including their 1998 win over the United States and strong performances in more recent editions, but the group stage has always been the barrier they have not yet broken through.

The 2026 World Cup gives Iran another chance to change that story. They open Group G against New Zealand, then face Belgium, before finishing against Egypt. It is a group with opportunity and danger: New Zealand may be the match Iran feel they must win, Belgium bring elite European quality, and Egypt bring Mohamed Salah-led attacking threat. For Iran, this tournament could be about one thing above all — finally taking the next step.

New Zealand are Iran’s opening opponents and could be one of the defining matches of their tournament. The All Whites are organised, physical and led by experienced forward Chris Wood. For Iran, this is the game that may decide whether they are chasing qualification or playing catch-up from the start.

Belgium are the headline European test in Group G. With major names such as Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku, Thibaut Courtois and Jérémy Doku, Belgium carry serious individual quality. Iran will need discipline, concentration and clinical counter-attacking to take anything from this match.

Egypt complete the group and bring one of Africa’s biggest football names. Mohamed Salah gives Egypt world-class attacking threat, and this could become a direct qualification battle if the group is tight. Iran against Egypt has the feel of a proper pressure match.

White, red and green — Iran’s national-team colours are clean, traditional and instantly tied to the national flag. The home shirt is often built around white, with red and green detailing giving Team Melli a sharp and recognisable tournament look.

For mystery shirt fans, Iran are an interesting World Cup pull because the shirt carries proper football culture. This is a country with deep Asian football history, passionate support and a squad trying to finally break through the World Cup group stage. It is not the obvious glamour pull, but it is exactly the kind of shirt that gives a World Cup Mystery Shirt Box more depth and story.