Padovani praises Iran's spirit at 2026 World Cup

TEHRAN — Former Esteghlal defender Leandro Padovani has praised Iran's performance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, saying Team Melli displayed resilience and pride despite facing distractions away from the pitch.

By Fardin Molaei

Spain's World Cup glory denies Trump and Bibi their dream finale

TEHRAN – The curtain fell on the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States with an ending that few in Washington had hoped to witness. Instead of Argentina lifting the trophy at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, Spain emerged victorious after defeating the defending champions 1-0 in extra time, turning what many expected to be a political celebration into a night of disappointment for President Donald Trump and his closest international allies.

Palestinians celebrate Spain’s World Cup victory

Hundreds of Palestinians across Gaza and the Occupied West Bank celebrated Spain’s World Cup victory, gathering around makeshift screens, cheering in stadiums and taking to the streets in celebration of Spain’s victory and the support its government has given to Palestine.

Morocco and Egypt lead historic Arab campaign at 2026 FIFA World Cup

TEHRAN – Arab football reached another milestone at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with a record eight teams qualifying for the expanded 48-team tournament. Although several teams failed to make it beyond the group stage, Morocco, Egypt and Algeria once again showed that Arab nations can compete with the best teams in world football.

By Masoud Hossein

Infantino, Trump mock football

TEHRAN – Football should never forget the controversy surrounding Folarin Balogun after FIFA apparently broke its own rules by allowing the U.S. striker to play against Belgium in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16.

By Hossein Amiri

Eliminated on Paper. Victorious in Character.

How did the US lay landmines for Iran's football team inside the 2026 World Cup?

TEHRAN – The scoreboard says Iran's journey at the 2026 FIFA World Cup ended in the group stage. History will record three draws against New Zealand, Belgium, and Egypt before Team Melli narrowly missed a place in the knockout rounds. Yet numbers alone cannot tell the story of Iran's campaign in North America.

By Masoud Hossein

Iran, Belgium share the spoils in 2026 FIFA World Cup

TEHRAN – Iran's national football team and Belgium shared the spoils in a goalless draw in their second Group G match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Sunday night.

Iran face tough test after New Zealand’s draw

TEHRAN - Iran’s 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign began with a dramatic 2-2 draw against New Zealand at SoFi Stadium, a result that highlighted both the resilience and the vulnerabilities of Team Melli. While Iran showed character by twice coming from behind, the match also exposed defensive weaknesses that could become a major concern as tougher challenges await in Group G.

By Masoud Hossein

Iran held by New Zealand in 2026 FIFA World Cup opener

TEHRAN - Iran national football team and New Zealand shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw in their 2026 FIFA World Cup opener early Tuesday.

Mehdi Taremi, Iran’s star in 2026 World Cup: AFC

TEHRAN - Asia will be represented by nine teams at the expanded FIFA World Cup 2026 which kicks off on Thursday.

Iran skipper Jahanbakhsh struggles for fitness ahead of World Cup

TEHRAN - The Iranian national team face a race against time as captain Alireza Jahanbakhsh continues to struggle with an injury sustained during his match against La Louviere.

Iran to play Mali in 2026 World Cup preparation

TEHRAN - Iran have added a second friendly to their pre-World Cup itinerary, announcing a June 4 meeting with Mali during their training camp in Antalya, Turkey.

Pezeshkian presented with Iran No. 12 shirt

TEHRAN - Iran President Masoud Pezeshkian was presented with the No. 12 jersey of the Iran national football team during a visit to the team’s training camp ahead of the country’s 2026 World Cup campaign.

Mourinho: Iran deserve World Cup place

TEHRAN – Portuguese well-known coach José Mourinho insists Iran national football team deserve to play at the 2026 World Cup.

Iran determined to do something epic: Ghalenoei

TEHRAN – Iran football team head coach Amir Ghalenoei says that they are going to do something epic in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Angola and North Macedonia cancel matches against Iran

TEHRAN - The football federations of North Macedonia and Angola have officially canceled their friendly matches against Iran.

Iran gear up for World Cup with friendly against North Macedonia

TEHRAN – As the countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup intensifies, the Iranian national team are sharpening their tools for the global stage. Amirmehdi Alavi, the official spokesman for the Football Federation of Iran, confirmed on Saturday that Team Melli will face a formidable test in Turkey, squaring off against the resilient North Macedonia in a high-profile friendly.

By Farrokh Hesabi

Iran’s PGPL faces a risky plan to resume after 2026 World Cup

TEHRAN - Uncertainty around the future of the Persian Gulf Professional League (PGPL) has turned into a serious challenge for Iranian football. With the season left unfinished due to exceptional conditions of the country and the 2026 World Cup approaching, the idea of resuming the league after the tournament raises more questions than answers.

By Farrokh Hesabi

Iran handed a favorable Group at 2026 World Cup, expert says

TEHRAN - Following the draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Iran found themselves placed in Group G alongside Belgium, Egypt, and New Zealand, an outcome that former national team coach Homayoun Shahrokhi described as exceptionally favorable.