New Delhi, June 29 -- The Iranian football team's tumultuous FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign came to an end after failing to qualify as one of the eight best third-placed teams.

Iran finished third in Group G with three points from as many matches after they drew each of their games. The Mahedi Taremi-led side began their campaign with a thrilling 2-2 draw against New Zealand, before sharing the spoils again with a 0-0 draw against Belgium.

The Asian outfit then faced a must-win situation against Egypt in order to automatically qualify for the round of 32, but once again Iran dropped points as they were held to a 1-1 draw. Mahmoud Saber opened the scoring for Egypt in the fourth minute, but Ramin Rezaeiain equalised for Iran just 11 minute...