Iran are one of Asia’s heavyweights and among the most frequent modern qualifiers, even if a place in the knockout rounds has narrowly eluded them. Few sides defend as stubbornly.

Their road

Group game 1 · Mon 15 Jun

vs New Zealand2–2 D

Group game 2 · Sun 21 Jun

at Belgium0–0 D

Group game 3 · Fri 26 Jun

at Egypt1–1 D

Three group games are guaranteed; the knockout steps unlock as the team advances.