Iran squad World Cup 2026: Which players have made it to the showpiece in USA, Mexico and Canada?

Veteran goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand is the favourite to be Iran’s No. 1 at the World Cup. The 33-year-old veteran brings the immense experience of over 80 caps for the national team to the tournament.

The official squad selection confirms that Hossein Hosseini remains his biggest rival for the starting goalkeeping position, though he may have to settle for a back-up role once again. Joining them in the final trio is Payam Niazmand, who successfully secured his ticket as part of the designated shot-stoppers, while young Mohammad Khalifeh ultimately missed out on making the trip to the finals.

There is plenty of experience and depth when it comes to Iran's backline for the tournament. Saleh Hardani has firmly cemented his place at full-back, while the reliable duo of Shojae Khalilzadeh and Hossein Kanaanizadegan are set to anchor the defense as center-backs.

The official squad announcement confirms a defense packed with veteran leadership and defensive resilience, featuring Ali Nemati, Ehsan Hajsafi, Ramin Rezaeian, and Milad Mohammadi, all of whom add bags of international experience to Team Melli's campaign. Meanwhile, young Danial Eiri has successfully made the cut as a more youthful option for the backline.

Saman Ghoddos is a key player for Iran and will be expected to play a major role for the team at the World Cup after being named in the final squad following his season with UAE's Kalba. Saeid Ezatolahi is another crucial figure that Team Melli will look to at the tournament; having fully recovered from the foot injury that sidelined him from March's friendlies, the Shabab al-Ahli midfielder is fit and ready for the summer showcase.

Manager Amir Ghalenoei's official selection balances seasoned experience with dynamic wing options and emerging youth. The midfield roster features reliable names like Mohammad Ghorbani, Rouzbeh Cheshmi, Mehdi Torabi, and Aria Yousefi, alongside established stars Alireza Jahanbakhsh, Mohammad Mohebi, and Mehdi Ghayedi. Additionally, young Amirmohammad Razzaghinia has successfully secured his ticket to the tournament, remaining an exciting talent who could be one to watch if given the chance to impress on the world stage.

Mehdi Taremi remains the biggest star for Iran and is set for his third World Cup with the national team. The 33-year-old, who currently plies his trade with Olympiacos, brings over 100 caps of vital experience to the competition this summer. Winger Alireza Jahanbakhsh is a handy option out wide, while Mehdi Ghayedi is another player hoping to play his part after securing his place in the tournament.

As expected following the official squad announcement, Iran will be without star striker Sardar Azmoun, who was completely omitted from the final list after previously missing March's friendlies over alleged government disloyalty reports. His tally of 57 goals in 91 internationals leaves a massive void in the attack, forcing manager Amir Ghalenoei to opt for a specific five-man frontline.

The official roster confirms that Iran will rely on just five designated forwards for the tournament: Mehdi Taremi (Olympiacos), Dennis Eckert (Standard Liège) – who capitalised on his recent call-up to stake a permanent claim – Shahriyar Moghanlou (Kalba), Ali Alipour (Persepolis), and Amirhossein Hosseinzadeh (Tractor).

Iran will look to Mehdi Taremi for inspiration at the World Cup. The striker already has over a half century of goals for the national team and is a potent attacking force. Taremi will come into the tournament after another prolific campaign in Greece with Olympiacos and already knows what it's like find the back of the net at a World Cup. The striker netted a brace against England in a 6-2 defeat in Qatar 2022.

Goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand is another player who has made headlines throughout an eventful career. The stopper ran away from his nomad family at the age of 12 and slept rough on the streets of Tehran, working all kinds of jobs as he pursued a career in professional football. Beiranvand eventually went on to become Iran's No. 1 and famously saved a penalty from Cristiano Ronaldo in 2018, which was also the first time Portugal had missed a spot kick at a World Cup.

Veteran stopper Alireza Beiranvand looks set to be Iran's starting goalkeeper at World Cup 2026, with Hossein Hosseini a very capable back-up if needed.

Iran should start with a traditional back four at World Cup 2026 and could line up with Salheh Hardani at right back and Milad Mohammadi on the opposite flank. Shojae Khalilzadeh may well partner Hossein Kanaanizadegan in the centre of Iran's defence. 

Manager Amir Ghalenoei could go with Saeid Ezatolahi and Saman Ghoddos as a two-man midfield behind an attack consisting of Alireza Jahanbakhsh, Mehdi Ghayed and Mohammad Mohebi, with Mehdi Taremi as the lone striker.

Predicted Iran Starting XI for World Cup 2026 (4-2-3-1): Beiranvand; Hardani, Khalilzadeh, Kanaanizadegan, Mohammedi; Ezatolahi, Ghoddos;  Jahanbakhsh, Ghayed, Moyebi; Taremi.