World Cup archive
Iran have qualified for six World Cups, more than any other Middle Eastern nation. Team Melli is one of the most consistent Asian football sides of the modern era and has produced multiple memorable tournament moments — including the famous 1998 win over the United States.
At a glance
6 World Cup appearances
Argentina
White shirt with red trim and a simple crest. Iran's World Cup debut.
Iran made their first World Cup appearance at Argentina 78. They earned a famous 1-1 draw against Scotland, their first ever World Cup point.
France
White home with green and red detailing — the shirt of the famous USA win.
Iran beat the United States 2-1 in the politically loaded group stage match in Lyon. Considered one of the most significant football matches in Iranian history. Team Melli still went out at the group stage but the win is immortal.
Brazil
Bright red home shirt with green trim — a slight departure from the traditional white.
Iran's World Cup return after several missed cycles. They held Argentina to 90 minutes before losing 1-0 to a Messi free kick.
Qatar
Clean white home shirt with red and green national-flag accents.
Iran beat Wales 2-0 in one of the most discussed group-stage results of the tournament. Went out narrowly behind England and the United States.
USA/Mexico/Canada
Current-cycle Iran shirt for the 2026 tournament.
The archive continues on the live 2026 Iran team page.
Iran have qualified for six FIFA World Cups: 1978, 1998, 2006, 2014, 2018, 2022 and 2026. They have never advanced past the group stage.
Various local and international suppliers have made Iran kits across the years. Recent cycles have featured locally-produced shirts.
Iran are known as Team Melli, which translates from Persian as "the National Team".
Jump from the archive to the current tournament page, retro shopping, or the biggest head-to-head matchups for Iran.
