National Football Team of Iran participated in the World Cup from 1974 tournament and was eliminated in the playoff match against Australia on a 3-2 goal margin. However, in the next participation , Iran managed to qualify for the World Cup in Argentina in 1978.
The post revolution era of Iranian football was marred by political conflict and the war which resulted in Iran withdrawing from 2 tournament after it refused to accept FIFA's ruling on playing all the matches away from home , a condition that Iran deemed biased and unfair.
Iran's next participation in the finals was in 1998 after a long and winding road. A repeat of 1974 play off against Australia and the famous Melbourne triumph ensured Iran its rightful place amongst the World football elites
Click the years on the left for details of matches.
