CAFA Nations Cup, know your opponents: Iran

The Indian football team will square off against Iran in their second CAFA Nations Cup clash. The Blue Tigers will be up against one of Asia’s most formidable footballing nations, a side rich in history and known for consistently punching above their weight on the international stage.

Khalid Jamil’s side will have to be at their very best when they face Iran. The Persian Stars arrive not only as one of the favourites for the CAFA Nations Cup but also as a team with the pedigree to dominate any Asian competition.

Ahead of this high-stakes encounter, here’s a closer look at the Iran national football team.

History

Iran played their first official match in 1941 against Afghanistan, marking the start of a journey that would see them rise as one of the powerhouses of Asian football.

The Persian Stars have lifted the AFC Asian Cup three times (1968, 1972, 1976) and have consistently been strong contenders in the tournament ever since. Iran have also qualified for the FIFA World Cup seven times, including four consecutive editions in 2014, 2018 and 2022 and 2026. They have earned praise for their disciplined defensive structure and fighting spirit against top European and South American sides at the World Cup.

Among their most memorable moments was the 1998 World Cup win against the United States, which was their first win at the World Cup and remains one of the most iconic results in their history.

In recent years, Iran have cemented themselves as Asian heavyweights and have troubled some of the best teams across the globe.

Form Guide: WDLWW

Iran are currently ranked 20th in the FIFA rankings, making them the highest-ranked team in the CAFA Nations Cup.

The Persians come into the tournament in solid form, having won three of their last five outings. They qualified for the 2026 World Cup in March and finished top of their group in the third round of the qualifiers. Their last defeat came against Qatar away from home in June, which was their only defeat in the third round.

Iran secured a 3-1 win over Afghanistan in their opening game of the CAFA Nations Cup on Friday.

Head-to-head record

Iran has historically dominated India. However, the Blue Tigers registered one of their memorable wins over Iran in the 1951 Asian Games, beating them 1-0 in the final to win the gold medal. The last meeting between the two sides came in the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, where Iran sealed a comfortable 4-0 win in Tehran.

Key Players

Majid Hosseini

One of Iran’s standout performers, Hosseini currently plays in Turkey and has proven to be a crucial figure for his national team. He was directly involved in all three goals during Iran’s 3-1 win over Afghanistan, netting a brace and assisting the other. With him marshalling the backline, India’s attackers will have their work cut out.

Alireza Jahanbakhsh

The experienced winger, who has played in the Premier League with Brighton & Hove Albion, is known for his pace, dribbling and ability to score and create. Jahanbakhsh’s creativity from the flanks makes him a vital part of the team.