What is Iran’s 2026 FIFA World Cup group?

Iran has been drawn into Group G, where they will face off against Belgium, Egypt, and New Zealand.

When is Iran’s first game in the World Cup?

Iran will kick off their tournament against New Zealand on 16 June at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California.

Where is the Iranian team staying for the World Cup?

Team Melli has selected the Kino Sports Complex in Tucson, Arizona, as their official Team Base Camp, utilising the elite training facilities to prepare for their group stage matches on the West Coast.

Who are the “players to watch” for Iran in the 2026 FIFA World Cup?

Mehdi Taremi continues to be the focal point of the Iranian attack, bringing his elite scoring pedigree from Porto and Inter Milan to lead the frontline. He is supported by the prolific Sardar Azmoun, whose clinical finishing remains vital for the team’s offensive output. In the defensive half, Majid Hosseini provides essential stability and veteran leadership, while the midfield relies on the creativity of players like Mohammad Mohebi to drive the team forward as they navigate a difficult Group G.

What time do Iran’s World Cup games start in Tehran (IRST)?

Iran’s opening match against New Zealand kicks off in the early morning hours, while their high-profile encounter with Belgium is scheduled for a late night start. Their final group stage match against Egypt will then be broadcast during the pre-dawn hours of the following morning.

What TV broadcasters have 2026 FIFA World Cup rights in Iran?

The tournament will be broadcast live across the country on IRIB TV3, which remains the primary destination for international football coverage in Iran.

How many times has Iran qualified for the FIFA World Cup?

Including the 2026 tournament, Iran has qualified for the FIFA World Cup a total of 7 times, having previously appeared in 1978, 1998, 2006, 2014, 2018, and 2022.

World Cup

Iran

15 Jun 2026

21:00SoFi Stadium

New Zealand

🇮🇷STREAM ON beIN SPORTS 🇳🇿STREAM ON TVNZ

Celine Abrahams

16 June 2026 07:12-04:00

Where to watch Iran in the 2026 FIFA World Cup today? Next game, start time, TV channels and online live streams

Find out where to watch the game where you are. Scroll down for worldwide broadcasts!

When and where?

World Cup - Game Week 1

15 Jun 2026 - 21:00

SoFi Stadium

Group G Table

#		P	W	D	L	F	A	+/-	PTS	Form
1	BelgiumBEL	3	1	2	0	6	2	+4	5	W D D
2	EgyptEGY	3	1	2	0	5	3	+2	5	D W D

3	IranIRN	3	0	3	0	3	3	0	3	D D D

4	New ZealandNZL	3	0	1	2	4	10	-6	1	L L D

Qualification to next stage

Possible Qualification to next stage

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How do I use a VPN to watch FIFA World Cup 2026?

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Who is showing the World Cup in Iran?

Here is how the coverage breaks down:

Broadcaster	Type	Coverage Details
IRIB (Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting)	Free-to-Air	As the national state broadcaster, IRIB holds the main domestic rights. Matches will be broadcast live and completely free-to-air on IRIB TV3, which serves as the network's dedicated channel for major global sporting events. You can also stream these matches via IRIB's digital platforms locally.
beIN SPORTS	Pay-TV	For those wanting premium coverage, beIN Sports holds the rights for the broader MENA region, broadcasting the full 104-match slate via their dedicated beIN SPORTS MAX channels. This offers comprehensive coverage and is accessible through their beIN CONNECT app and TOD streaming services.
Persiana Sports	Satellite	For viewers with access to satellite television, Persiana Sports will also be showing tournament matches.

Frequently asked questions

: Iran has been drawn into Group G, where they will face off against Belgium, Egypt, and New Zealand.
: Iran will kick off their tournament against New Zealand on 16 June at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California.
: Team Melli has selected the Kino Sports Complex in Tucson, Arizona, as their official Team Base Camp, utilising the elite training facilities to prepare for their group stage matches on the West Coast.
: Mehdi Taremi continues to be the focal point of the Iranian attack, bringing his elite scoring pedigree from Porto and Inter Milan to lead the frontline. He is supported by the prolific Sardar Azmoun, whose clinical finishing remains vital for the team’s offensive output. In the defensive half, Majid Hosseini provides essential stability and veteran leadership, while the midfield relies on the creativity of players like Mohammad Mohebi to drive the team forward as they navigate a difficult Group G.
: Iran’s opening match against New Zealand kicks off in the early morning hours, while their high-profile encounter with Belgium is scheduled for a late night start. Their final group stage match against Egypt will then be broadcast during the pre-dawn hours of the following morning.
: The tournament will be broadcast live across the country on IRIB TV3, which remains the primary destination for international football coverage in Iran.
: Including the 2026 tournament, Iran has qualified for the FIFA World Cup a total of 7 times, having previously appeared in 1978, 1998, 2006, 2014, 2018, and 2022.