Iran Overview

Four nations made debuts at the 2026 World Cup, with Cape Verde, Curacao, Jordan and Uzbekistan gracing the grandest stage in international football for the first time. It is the tournament with the most newcomers since 2006 and Cape Verde have achieved the feat of ending a 16-year wait for a debutant to reach the knockout stages, with the African nation to face Lionel Messi's Argentina on Friday.

Iran captain Mehdi Taremi has criticised FIFA and president Gianni Infantino over what he described as a "disaster" World Cup, accusing organisers of failing to resolve ongoing logistical and visa issues. Head coach Amir Ghalenoei also called on FIFA to stand up to the tournament hosts after claiming his side had been treated unfairly.

GOAL brings you everything you need to know about Egypt vs Iran at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Belgium’s World Cup campaign has hit a stuttering start following two consecutive draws, but while the points tally is a concern, it is the performance levels that have drawn the sharpest tongue in football. Zlatan Ibrahimovic did not hold back when assessing their latest stalemate against Iran, delivering a scathing review of the Red Devils' toothless display.