The teams at the 2022 World Cup – Iran (Group B)

Iran World Cup 2022
Iran

Iran played their first qualifier with a view to the 1974 World Cup in Germany. Team Melli then punched its first ticket to a finals at the second attempt, reaching the end of the line after the first round in Argentina in June 1978. After a withdrawal, a disqualification and two unsuccessful attempts, the Iranian national team took part in its second finals exactly 20 years later at the 1998 World Cup in France. There, they were eliminated after the group stage, but at least they managed their historic first victory.

After that, Iran drew and lost twice at the 2006 World Cup in Germany and the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. At the 2018 World Cup in Russia, the Iranian national team celebrated its second full success at a finals. In addition, Team Melli lost once and shared points once. In the end, they failed to reach the second phase for the fifth time in as many participations.

The coach of Iran, Dragan Skočić

Dragan Skočić took charge of the Iranian side in February 2020. The 53-year-old Croatian has been on the sidelines at four Iranian clubs – Malavan, Foolad, Khooneh be Khooneh Babol and Sanat Naft – since the summer of 2013. Prior to that, Skočić managed his parent club Rijeka, Interblock Ljubljana in Slovenia, the Kuwaiti top team Al Arabi and Al Nassr from Saudi Arabia, one of the best-known clubs in the Arab world.

The Stars of the Iranian National Team

Most Iranian team players earn their money partly in the domestic Persian Gulf Pro League and partly in Europe. Some of the footballers are not only allowed to gain experience in the top leagues, but also in the European Cup. This applies, among others, to the strikers Sardar Azmoun from Bayer Leverkusen and Mehdi Taremi from Porto. In addition, there is the right winger Alireza Jahanbakhsh from Feyenoord.

Iran’s qualification for the 2022 World Cup

Iran finished first in Group 1 of the third phase in Asian World Cup qualifying with 25 points and two points more than South Korea. This was achieved despite the fact that the runners-up inflicted Melli’s only losses of points with a 1-1 away draw and a 2-0 home win. Earlier, the Iranian national team claimed victory in Group C of the second round with 18 points. Behind them, Iraq took one point less.

Iran’s chances of success at the 2022 World Cup

The Iranian team will first face England, the USA and Wales in Group B at the 2022 World Cup. Their opponents are ranked fifth, 15th and 18th in the FIFA rankings. It goes without saying that the Three Lions are the favourites to win the group. Behind them, the USA and Wales have more international experience. In the event of a second-place finish, Iran would most likely play the Netherlands in the round of 16. There, at the latest, would be the end of the line for Team Melli.

Statistical features of Iran before the 2022 World Cup

In geopolitical terms, the USA is one of Iran’s enemies par excellence. On top of that, the Iranian national team celebrated its first victory at a World Cup on 21 June 1998 in France against the Soccer Boys. A year and a half later, the two teams drew 1-1 in Mexico. Their first appearance in Group B of the 2022 World Cup will be against England.

Odds for betting on Iran at the 2022 World Cup

  • Overall winner 751.00
  • Reach the final 251.00
  • Make the semi-finals 101.00
  • Group win 17.00
  • Group qualification – yes 5.00, no 1.16
  • Reaches the quarter-finals 26.00
  • England – Iran Win 10.00, Draw 5.00, Lose 1.30

These are the odds from Bet365. All odds are snapshots and can change at any time. Furthermore, all odds are without guarantee.

Other teams in World Cup Group B: