Goa, June 29 -- Iran's FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign ended in disappointment both on and off the pitch, with the Asian side failing to progress beyond the group stage after drawing all three of their matches. Led by Mehdi Taremi, Iran finished third in Group G with three points, narrowly missing out on qualification as one of the best third-placed teams.

Iran began their campaign with an entertaining 2-2 draw against New Zealand before playing out a goalless stalemate with Belgium. Needing a victory against Egypt to secure a place in the Round of 32, they were instead held to a 1-1 draw. Mahmoud Saber gave Egypt an early lead before Ramin Rezaeian equalised, while Taremi missed a first-half penalty that could have changed the outcome.

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