Tag: New Zealand

Guide to Group G at World Cup 2026

Guide to Group G at World Cup 2026

Dan Goldfarb/The Athletic By The Athletic UK Staff

Dec. 5, 2025Updated Dec. 6, 2025 9:41 pm GMT+3

The World Cup draw is complete and Belgium, Egypt, Iran and New Zealand have been drawn together in Group G.

How did the teams qualify? How do the different countries play? And who are the key protagonists in the group?

Group G

Games in: Los Angeles, Seattle, Vancouver, Canada

See full draw results

The schedule: Games, venues, dates and kick-off times

Matchday 1

  • Monday, June 15: Iran vs New Zealand (9pm ET, 6pm PT, 2am BST+1) — SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles
  • Monday, June 15: Belgium vs Egypt (3pm ET, 12pm PT, 8pm BST) — Lumen Field, Seattle

Matchday 2

  • Sunday, June 21: Belgium vs Iran (3pm ET, 12pm PT, 8pm BST) — SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles
  • Sunday, June 21: New Zealand vs Egypt (9pm ET, 6pm PT, 2am BST+1) — BC Place, Vancouver

Matchday 3

  • Friday, June 26: Egypt vs Iran (11pm ET, 8pm PT, 4am BST+1) — Lumen Field, Seattle
  • Friday, June 26: New Zealand vs Belgium (11pm ET, 8pm PT, 4am BST+1) — BC Place, Vancouver

Belgium

Dan Mullan/Getty Images

How did they qualify?

With relative ease. Despite two draws against North Macedonia and another with Kazakhstan delaying the inevitable, Belgium still went unbeaten across their eight games.

It was never going to be a tough group for Belgium, given it’s been a decade since they last lost a World Cup or European Championship qualifying game. That defeat came against Wales, but the Belgians paid them back in this qualification competition. The Welsh were their closest challengers for top spot, and will be in the UEFA playoffs in March, but got beaten 4-3 and then 4-2 in the two meetings.

What is their World Cup pedigree?

Belgium first made a dent in a World Cup in 1986, finishing fourth. Argentina’s Diego Maradona prevented them reaching the final but Enzo Scifo was named the young player of the tournament, before helping them get out of the group stage again four years later.

It was not until the 2014 World Cup that Belgium were considered a powerful nation once more but they lost to Argentina again in the quarter-finals that year and then at Russia 2018, when they were among the favourites, they lost to eventual champions France beat them in the semi-finals. Both 1-0 defeats were seen as missed opportunities for a team of such quality. Belgium’s failure to make it out of the group in 2022 was widely regarded as the end of that chapter for a golden generation of players who had grown old together.

Who is the coach?

Rudi Garcia. The Frenchman took over in January from Domenico Tedesco, who failed to build on Roberto Martinez’s six-year tenure, half of which they spent in first place in the FIFA world rankings.

Garcia, who oversaw a 4-3 aggregate play-off victory against Ukraine in March to keep Belgium in the top tier of the UEFA Nations League, made his name in club management by winning the French title with Lille in 2011 and finishing second in Italy’s Serie A twice with Roma in 2014 and 2015. Known for his attractive style of play, he also took Lyon to the Champions League semi-finals in 2020 by beating Manchester City but his star has faded in recent years after Napoli’s form dropped off after he was appointed in summer 2023.

The 61-year-old Frenchman’s previous role had been at Saudi Pro League club Al Nassr, but the two parties mutually parted ways after 10 months with the team trailing Al Ittihad in the table and reports of an uneasy relationship between Garcia and star player Cristiano Ronaldo.

How do they play?

Garcia has stuck with a 4-3-3 shape so far, in contrast with Tedesco’s regular switches of formation. Right-back Thomas Meunier has praised how he has breathed fresh optimism into the group with a major focus on possession and counter-pressing. Garcia has been bold in giving opportunities to several new faces, including Rangers midfielder Nicolas Raskin and Club Brugge full-back Joaquin Seys.

Other defenders, such as Sporting CP’s Zeno Debast, Koni De Winter of Milan and Brighton & Hove Albion’s Maxim De Cuyper are taking on the mantle left by the ‘golden generation’ back line featuring Vincent Kompany, Toby Alderweireld, Jan Vertonghen and Thomas Vermaelen. Garcia is blessed in terms of his wide options. Jeremy Doku, Leandro Trossard, Charles De Ketelaere, Alexis Saelemaekers and Malick Fofana have all been utilised, but it is Doku who is emerging as the key threat.

Who is their key player?

Doku. The 23-year-old Manchester City winger has taken a step up at club level this season and looks to be taking on more responsibility with Belgium, too. He started all eight games during qualification, scoring five goals and assisting three, as he switched between the left and right flanks. Napoli midfielder Kevin De Bruyne, once he returns from the serious hamstring injury suffered in late October, could still be their talisman with his vision as a passer but is slowing down at age 34 (he’ll turn 35 during the World Cup). Doku is the player Belgium look to feed most often now, because of his unrivalled one-v-one ability.

What else should we know about them?

They have Thibaut Courtois back in goal after his controversial refusal to play under Tedesco. The Real Madrid goalkeeper fell out with their previous manager and said in August 2024 that he would not add to his then total of 102 caps as long as he remained in the job. Fortunately for Courtois, he only had to wait just over six months and was brought back into the fold post-Euros after talks with new coach Garcia. However, Belgium have had internal problems previously, with big-name players such as De Bruyne and Vertonghen clashing at the last World Cup over the midfielder’s comments about their aging defence.

Jordan Campbell

Egypt

NurPhoto via Getty Images

How did they qualify?

Egypt did not lose a single game in Group A in the African qualifiers, winning eight and drawing twice.

However, they only confirmed their qualification in October, by topping the group after beating Djibouti 3-0 with two goals from Mohamed Salah.

Burkina Faso were tailing them throughout the qualifiers, but the 0-0 draw between the sides in Ouagadougou in September maintained Egypt’s five-point gap and solidified their status at the top of the group.

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What is their World Cup pedigree?

Despite being the first Arab and African nation to participate in the World Cup, in 1934, Egypt has never won a match at the tournament.

Granted, they only qualified two times after that, in 1990 and 2018, with World Cup qualification being a hoodoo in the period in between. Egypt were pitted in the group of death in the 2002 and 2006 qualifiers, lost a tie-breaker against Algeria in 2009, and broke down against Ghana in the play-off round of the 2014 qualifiers.

The 2018 edition was a disappointment, with Salah entering the tournament injured and the team losing their three matches in the group stage.

Who is the coach?

The legendary striker, Hossam Hassan.

The three-time AFCON winner is one of the best centre-forwards in Egypt’s history. He holds the record for the most goals scored for the national team (69) and is only bettered by Ahmed Hassan (no relation) in terms of the number of appearances.

Hassan, who played in the 1990 World Cup, won numerous domestic trophies alongside the CAF Champions League in 2002 with Zamalek.

However, he had to cross the biggest divide in Egyptian football to join Zamalek. As a young player, Hassan was brought up through Al Ahly’s youth ranks, and went on to become one of the best players in the club’s history.

His managerial career has mainly been inside Egypt, apart from a brief spell with Jordan’s national team in 2013-14.

How do they play?

In their 4-3-3, Salah and Manchester City’s Omar Marmoush flank the front line. It is therefore understandable why Egypt focus on attacking the wide areas, with Salah having the freedom to drop and roam.

Zizo operates as the right-sided midfielder, and his attacking profile complements Salah’s tendency to drop and create from midfield.

The left No 8 role has recently been occupied by Trezeguet, but Emam Ashour’s return from injury might alter the team’s starting line-up.

Ashour’s profile is more suited to the midfield role, and he offers something different than the ex-Aston Villa winger.

Who is their key player?

The man needs no introduction.

Salah has been the key player in Egypt’s national team for many years now, and unlike other Egyptian legends, he has not played with the strongest of squads.

Despite that, he managed to guide Egypt to the 2018 World Cup, ending the country’s 28-year wait to appear at the finals. However, the Liverpool forward’s shoulder injury in the 2018 Champions League final against Real Madrid affected the national team going into the tournament.

Then, his penalty miss in the shootout in the play-off round against Senegal in 2022 harmed Egypt’s chance of reaching the 2022 World Cup.

In 2026, he will be hoping to help open a new page in his country’s World Cup history.

What else should we know about them?

By the World Cup, Salah might be in position to surpass his head coach as the top goalscorer in Egypt’s history.

Currently, Salah is on 63 goals – six away from Hassan – and can increase his tally in the upcoming AFCON.

Yet, it would be a greater achievement if Salah can couple that with winning AFCON and helping Egypt reach the knockout stage of the World Cup for the first time in their history.

Ahmed Walid

Iran

Markus Gillar/Getty Images

How did they qualify?

There were a few bumps along the way and some unconvincing performances, but ultimately Iran made it through without too many alarms and with two games to spare — their only defeat of the entire 16-match, two-round qualifying campaign came against Qatar, after safe passage had already been sealed.

What is their World Cup pedigree?

This will be their fourth World Cup in a row, meaning they will have now participated in more tournaments since 2014 than in their entire history before that. Iran are yet to make it past the group stage, though, with their best performance coming in 2018, when they dramatically beat Morocco and drew with Portugal but a narrow defeat by Spain kept them from the knockouts. Last time, they were comfortably beaten by England and the United States, their only success coming thanks to goals in the 98th and 101st minutes against a Wales side down to 10 men by that stage.

Who is the coach?

This will be their first World Cup since 2006 without Carlos Queiroz in the dugout, his successor Amir Ghalenoei having taken over for a second spell in charge following that 2022 World Cup. On paper, Ghalenoei’s record is pretty good: qualification was relatively straightforward and his win percentage is up in the 70s. But there is plenty of dissatisfaction with his approach, not least that he still relies on the old guard — players in their thirties such as Alireza Jahanbakhsh and former Brentford midfielder Saman Ghoddos.

How do they play?

Do not expect attractive, expansive football. Under Queiroz, they were very solid: no frills, two banks of four with a couple of forwards, usually Mehdi Taremi and Sardar Azmoun. It largely worked, and it continues to work in terms of results, but there has been a desire to offer something slightly more interesting and attacking, which in theory should have come with a younger generation of players emerging, but neither has really materialised.

Who is their key player?

It is still probably Taremi, now scoring goals for Greek champions Olympiacos after a season in Italy with Inter. It will be fascinating to see how they deal with Jahanbakhsh if he does not find a club before the tournament starts. On talent, he would still probably be in their strongest team, but surely they cannot pick someone who, by the time Iran’s first group game kicks off in June, will not have played club football for over a year. In terms of young talent, watch out for midfielder Mohammad Hosseinnejad and striker Kasra Taheri.

What else should we know about them?

Of all the teams at the tournament who will have to deal with outside distractions, Iran surely have the most. The issue of how many of their fans will even be allowed into the United States to watch their games is something that will run and run from now until the whole thing starts in June. And also remember that at the previous World Cup three years ago, Iran’s players protested against the repression of protests back home. Will all of that be too much for them to actually perform as they can?

Nick Miller

New Zealand

Sebastian Frej/Getty Images

How did they qualify?

Since Australia became Asian for footballing purposes ahead of South Africa 2010, New Zealand are the game’s big hitters in Oceania. A bye into the second stage of that confederation’s qualifying competition for the side ranked 86th in the world by FIFA, was followed by three wins from three, 19 goals scored and one conceded as New Zealand breezed past Tahiti, Vanuatu and Samoa. A 7-0 thrashing of Fiji in a third-phase semi-final and then a 3-0 defeat of New Caledonia sealed their World Cup place at a canter.

What is their World Cup pedigree?

Modest. This will be New Zealand’s third appearance at the finals, though each has represented progress of various kinds. Their debut came in 1982, the first edition that was expanded from 16 teams to 24. It started with New Zealand’s first World Cup goals, coming in a 5-2 opening defeat by Scotland. Their group-stage exit was sealed by defeats to the Soviet Union (3-0) and Brazil (4-0). Then in 2010, Winston Reid’s stoppage-time equaliser against Slovakia gave them their first World Cup point. They also led a match in the finals for the first time, during a 1-1 draw against Italy, before finishing third in their four-team group after a goalless draw with Paraguay. New Zealand were the only team to finish that South Africa World Cup unbeaten (eventual winners Spain ost their opening group match against Switzerland).

Who is the coach?

Darren Bazeley will be familiar to some Watford fans. The English-born full-back made almost 300 appearances for that club to begin a senior playing career during which he eventually swapped EFL side Walsall for the Auckland-based New Zealand Knights in the Australian A-League 20 years ago. His subsequent coaching career led him to joining the New Zealand setup as under-17s assistant in 2009 — his only break from the national team since being a stint in MLS with Colorado Rapids and A-League at Newcastle Jets. Come July 2023, Bazeley was appointed New Zealand’s head coach for this World Cup cycle, while simultaneously leading the under-23s at the 2024 Olympics. Bazeley’s side were knocked out in the group stage there, finishing behind the United States and hosts France, who went on to win silver medals.

How do they play?

Despite New Zealand’s limited resources and lowly FIFA ranking, Bazeley has his side trying to play possession football. They use a 4-2-3-1 formation and look to build up without the default option of whacking long balls up to the obvious focal point of Nottingham Forest striker Chris Wood. A 1-0 defeat in Poland and 1-1 draw in Norway — albeit the latter was against a team without Erling Haaland — during their two October friendlies showed this team can make that plan work to a point. The greater difficulty was taking the chances they did create, especially when falling to someone other than their No 9. Wood’s involvement in those two friendlies was limited to 68 minutes.

Who is their key player?

A very simple answer to this. Shall we say it all together? Yes, it’s Wood. The 33-year-old, long-time Premier League striker with West Brom, Leicester, Burnley, Newcastle and now Forest is New Zealand’s highest-profile player, the country’s all-time leading scorer with 45 goals and the joint highest appearance-maker alongside former Eredivisie defender Ivan Vicelich, with 88. The tall, rangy, dangerous finisher is also their captain. Wood has already been prolific in the English top flight, and has scored at European level this season. Come the summer, he will aim to get his first goal at a World Cup.

What else should we know about them?

New Zealand’s All Whites nickname came about when the team appeared in a — no prizes here — all-white kit for the first time in the lead-up to that World Cup debut in Spain. No surprises either that it is a soccer counterpoint to the continuing legend of New Zealand’s rather more successful All Blacks rugby union squad. However, in recent years there have been discussions over cultural diversity and representation, and whether the name should continue to be used. More colourful kits for match officials in modern football at least ensure New Zealand can have an all-black change strip these days.

Amir Ghalenoei

WORLD CUP 2026: NO MORE EXCUSES. GHALENOEI’S “GOLDEN DRAW” DEMANDS HISTORY.

The lot is cast. The path is clear. For Iran’s Team Melli, the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw wasn’t just favorable—it was a screaming mandate from destiny itself.

Group G: Belgium. Egypt. New Zealand.

This is the draw Head Coach Amir Ghalenoei practically conjured in his sleep. Now, his grand, repeated promise—to finally smash the 48-year curse and reach the knockout stages—isn’t just a coach’s hopeful chatter. It’s a blood contract with 85 million expectant souls. There are no more shadows to hide in. The spotlight is white-hot and fixed squarely on him and his squad.

The Equation is Brutally Simple:
Belgium is the Goliath. New Zealand is the appetizer. Egypt is the DOOR. That single, 90-minute battle against the Pharaohs is the gate to history. Win that, and the promised land is in sight. Stumble, and the “golden generation” becomes another footnote in a chronicle of heartbreak.

Forget “What If.” This is “What Must Be.”

Ghalenoei wanted this. He called it. Now he must own it. The excuses of “groups of death” are gone. The lament of impossible odds is silenced. This group is a corridor, not a cage. Belgium’s glittering stars—Doku, Trossard, Lukaku—are a test, not a death sentence. Egypt’s Mohamed Salah is a challenge to be neutralized, not a myth to be feared.

The Pathways to Glory (or Infamy):

  • Finish Second. Slay the Dragon. Do the job. Beat Egypt, handle New Zealand, and you’ll likely face the USA in a Round of 16 firestorm dripping with a quarter-century of geopolitical tension. It’s the blockbuster the world wants and the trial by fire Iran needs to prove it belongs.
  • Win the Group. Seize the Throne. Shock Belgium, and the tournament cracks wide open. A smoother path emerges, daring the nation to dream not of one win, but of a quarter-final run.
  • Squeak Through Third. Walk Through Hell. The coward’s path. It likely means France in the last 16, then Germany. A brutal, glorious slaughterhouse.

The calculus is clear. Second place is the only acceptable answer. Third is a nervous disgrace. First is a statement that would echo for decades.

This is it. The perfect storm of opportunity, talent, and timing. The draw has handed Iran a blade sharp enough to cut through its own history of anguish. The question is no longer about possibility. It’s about nerve. Does Team Melli have the cold-blooded fortitude to grip that blade, look Egypt—and its own haunted past—in the eye, and finally, finally, carve its name into the next round?

Ghalenoei made the promise. The football gods have delivered the stage. Now, Iran must deliver the blood, sweat, and glory. No more excuses. No more “next time.” The clock starts now.

World Cup 2026 Draw: Iran’s Golden Opportunity in a Tantalizing Group G

The path for Iran’s historic quest to reach the knockout stages of a FIFA World Cup for the first time since 1978 has been revealed. Drawn into Group G for the 2026 tournament alongside Belgium, Egypt, and New Zealand, Team Melli finds itself in a promising, yet delicately balanced, constellation.

On paper, this is arguably the most favorable draw Iran could have hoped for from Pot 3. Avoiding global powerhouses and continental giants, the group presents a clear hierarchy and a defined target: second place.

The Hierarchical Favorite: A Belgian Juggernaut

At the summit sits Belgium, the undeniable frontrunner. A nation brimming with elite talent, they represent Iran’s most formidable challenge. Stars like the creative force of Leandro Trossard (Arsenal), the electrifying Jérémy Doku (Manchester City), and the prolific Romelu Lukaku (Napoli) form an attack capable of breaching any defense.

For Iran, this matchup is a dual threat. Not only is it a first-ever meeting at any level, posing tactical unknowns, but it also starkly highlights Team Melli’s most significant vulnerability: a historically inconsistent and vulnerable defensive line. Containing Belgium will require peak organization, discipline, and likely a game plan built on resilient defending and exploiting rare counter-attacking opportunities. A point against the Belgians would be a monumental result; the primary objective will be to keep the goal difference intact.

The Decisive Duel: Iran vs. Egypt for Progression

The pivotal battle in Group G will almost certainly be the clash between Iran and Egypt. This is the match that will likely determine which nation advances alongside Belgium. The Pharaohs, record seven-time African champions, present a fascinating paradox.

While they have experienced a slide in consistency under new manager Hossam Hassan, they possess the ultimate wildcard: Mohamed Salah (Liverpool). Alongside the rising talent of Omar Marmoush (Manchester City), Egypt boasts individual brilliance that can single-handedly decide matches. Iran’s task is clear: neutralize these threats. The midfield battle will be crucial, requiring Iran to control the tempo and deny service to Egypt’s star forwards. A draw here would be a setback; victory would place Iran’s destiny firmly in its own hands.

The Presumed Must-Win: Navigating New Zealand

Completing the group is New Zealand. While the All Whites are a physically robust and organized side, they represent a matchup where anything less than three points would severely damage Iran’s progression hopes. Iran’s historical advantage (undefeated in previous meetings) and New Zealand’s lack of week-in, week-out high-level competition in the OFC confederation are tangible factors in Team Melli’s favor.

However, underestimating New Zealand would be a grave mistake. Their athleticism and set-piece prowess demand utmost respect. This match is where Iran must demonstrate the clinical edge and tactical maturity that has sometimes been lacking in past World Cups.

The Road Ahead: Beyond the Paper Advantage

Labeling this a “golden opportunity” is accurate, but the real work begins now. To transform this favorable draw into history, Team Melli must address deep-seated challenges in the coming months:

  • Tactical Cohesion: Coach Ghalenoei must devise a flexible system—one that can withstand Belgian pressure, wrestle control from Egypt, and break down a stubborn New Zealand.
  • Defensive Solidity: Fixing the frail defense is non-negotiable. This requires identifying a stable backline and cultivating an understanding that can survive 90 minutes against the world’s best.
  • Mental Fortitude: The weight of 48 years of knockout-stage absence is heavy. The team must cultivate a winning mentality, replacing fear with belief in high-stakes moments.
  • Administrative Stability: Off-field harmony and unwavering support from the football federation are essential to provide the team with an optimal environment to prepare.

Conclusion: Group G is a gift of chance, but advancement will be earned through preparation, precision, and passion. The dream is alive and well. For the first time in generations, the path for Iran to make World Cup history is not just a hope—it’s a clear and achievable mission.

Team Melli chances in the FIFA World Cup 2026 draw.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The path to glory will be set on Friday, December 5th, 2025, as the draw for the expanded 48-team FIFA World Cup 2026 takes place. For the 42 qualified nations, the ceremony will be a pivotal moment of excitement and strategy, defining their tournament destiny.

The Qualified Contingent
The field is nearly complete, with six final spots still to be decided via playoffs.

  • Hosts: Canada, Mexico, USA
  • AFC (Asia): Australia, Iran, Japan, Jordan, Korea Republic, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Uzbekistan
  • CAF (Africa): Algeria, Cabo Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt, Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, South Africa, Tunisia
  • CONCACAF: Curaçao, Haiti, Panama
  • CONMEBOL (South America): Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Uruguay
  • OFC (Oceania): New Zealand
  • UEFA (Europe): Austria, Belgium, Croatia, England, France, Germany, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Scotland, Spain, Switzerland

The Draw Pots
Based on the latest FIFA Rankings (November 2025), teams have been allocated into four pots. Iran finds itself in the highly competitive Pot 2.

Pot 1: Canada (45), Mexico (15), USA (11), Spain (1), Argentina (2), France (3), England (4), Brazil (5), Portugal (6), Netherlands (7), Belgium (8), Germany (9)

Pot 2: Croatia (10), Morocco (12), Colombia (13), Uruguay (14), Switzerland (16), Japan (17), Senegal (18), Iran (20), Korea Republic (22), Ecuador (23), Austria (24), Australia (25)

Pot 3: Norway (26), Panama (27), Egypt (28), Algeria (29), Scotland (30), Paraguay (31), Tunisia (32), Côte d’Ivoire (33), Uzbekistan (34), Qatar (35), Saudi Arabia (36), South Africa (37)

Pot 4: Jordan (38), Cabo Verde (39), Ghana (40), Curaçao (41), Haiti (42), New Zealand (43), + 6 Playoff Winners (TBD)

Team Melli’s Dream Scenario

For Iran, ranked 20th globally, the draw strategy is clear: secure the weakest possible opponent from Pot 1, a manageable team from Pot 3, and the most favorable draw from Pot 4, all while navigating strict confederation rules that prevent two AFC teams (like Iran and Saudi Arabia) from sharing a group.

  • Ideal Pot 1 Draw: Canada. As the lowest-ranked host, it presents the most beatable top-seed scenario. A European side like Germany or Belgium would be preferable to facing a South American powerhouse like Argentina or Brazil.
  • Ideal Pot 3 Draw: A non-AFC, non-South American opponent. Panama (CONCACAF) or an African side like South Africa or Cabo Verde would offer a more balanced matchup than a technical CONMEBOL team like Paraguay.
  • Ideal Pot 4 Draw: New Zealand (OFC). A familiar foe Iran has historically outperformed, it represents the “kindest” draw from the final pot.

Example “Dream Group”:

  • Canada (Pot 1 – [45] CONCACAF)
  • Iran (Pot 2 – [20] AFC)
  • South Africa (Pot 3 – [37] CAF)
  • New Zealand (Pot 4 – [43] OFC)

Why it works: This combination respects all confederation limits and pairs Iran with the most favorable host, a struggling African nation, and an Oceanic side they have never lost to. It is the clearest path to a top-two finish and a historic knockout-stage berth.

Team Melli’s Nightmare Scenario

Conversely, the “Group of Death” would see Iran pitted against elite teams from multiple powerhouses.

  • Nightmare Pot 1 Draw: France or Argentina. Their world-class talent could overwhelm Iran’s disciplined structure.
  • Nightmare Pot 3 Draw: Colombia. The most dangerous “floating” team in the pot, boasting creativity and pressure that can break down any defense.
  • Nightmare Pot 4 Draw: A strong European playoff winner, such as Poland or Sweden, slotting into the final spot.

Example “Group of Death”:

  • France (Pot 1 – UEFA)
  • Iran (Pot 2 – AFC)
  • Colombia (Pot 3 – CONMEBOL)
  • Poland* (Pot 4 – UEFA)
    (Assuming Poland wins a UEFA playoff)*

Why it’s a nightmare: Two elite European sides with contrasting styles—France’s flair and Poland’s physicality—combined with a top South American contender. Every match would be a brutal battle for survival.

The Strategic Bottom Line for Iran

The confederation restrictions add a critical layer of complexity. Iran’s ideal path hinges on two key events during the draw:

  1. Landing Canada from Pot 1.
  2. Seeing the potent South American teams from Pot 3 (like Paraguay) drawn into other groups before Iran’s is finalized.

While the dream scenario offers a realistic chance to advance, the nightmare draw would require a heroic effort to secure even a single point. All will be revealed on December 5th, when hope and fear collide in Washington.

FFIRI negotiates friendlies with Argentina or Brazil.

The Iranian football federation FFIRI Secretary-General Hassan Kamranifar has declared that his federation is actively planning friendly preparatory games for Team Melli ahead of its participation in the FIFA World Cup Qatar, 2022.

Kamranifar said: “As you know, Brazil and Argentina have a postponed match in the World Cup qualifiers which is scheduled to be held in Qatar. We are negotiating with one of these two teams to agree to play an international friendly against them.

The Secretary-General of the Football Federation added: “4 teams out of 6 possible opponents of Team Melli are among the best and are in the top ranks of the FIFA rankings. Both teams are in the middle ranks, we are going to choose teams whose games are close to our opponents. Therefore, we have negotiated with Peru, New Zealand, and several other countries, which we will announce immediately after it is finalized.”

He continued: “Holding friendly games is difficult due to financial issues. One or two teams have requested to play behind closed doors and without television broadcasting, which is still good ”
in discussing the readiness of  Team Melli,  Kamranifar emphasized: “Skocic is also trying on his side to use his contacts to arrange friendly games and we hope this will happen soon so that we can play a friendly match in the first FIFA Day,”

UPCOMING FIFA DAYS 2022

Dates Matches
30 May – 14 June 2022 4
19–27 September 2022 2

Team Melli to play Papua New Guinea on Friday

After the cancellation of Team Melli’s friendly against Thailand, an alternative match has been hastily arranged against Papua New Guinea in Shah Alam Stadium in Malaysia on Friday Nov 11th 2016.

Papua New Guinea is a member of the Oceanic Football Confederation. Its highest ever FIFA ranking was 160, in June 2004. In its last match on 17th June 2016, international Friendly,  Papua New Guinea defeated  Malaysia 2–0 in capital Port Moresby. A week before that , it lost the Final of the OFC Nation cup against New Zealand in Penalty Kick out after a goalless draw.

Both result are quite respectable for a nation that is still competing in the FIFA World Cup 2018 qualifiers.

Team Melli , on the other hand , needed a warm up match before facing Syria in day 5 of the World Cup qualifiers. It is expected that the legionnaire players to be available for the Friday match against the not very tough opponents.

Team Melli will be missing 4 major players. Goalkeeper Biranvand due to injury, Ando Teymourian for non inclusion while Azmoun and Hajsafy are suspended for one match each.