Al Ittihad · CAF Champions League · Midfielder · #27 · Egypt · 28 yrs
Entering its 7th World Cup in 2026, Iran is heading to the competition as one of the best Asian nations in the FIFA Ranking. Following a series of logistical headaches and visa hurdles, Iran is set to kick off its seventh appearance at the 2026 World Cup in North America. Widely considered one of Asia’s most formidable squads, Team Melli enters the tournament with a singular goal: finally breaking through to the knockout stage for the first time in country history. As of the latest FIFA Men’s World Ranking prior to the beginning of the competition, Iran sits in 20th place globally with 1,619.58 points. Trailing only 18th-ranked Japan as the second-highest-rated Asian nation on the board, Iran’s current standing is just a few slots shy of its all-time high water mark back in August 2005, when the team peaked at No. 15 in the world. Interestingly, Iran enters Group G as the second-highest-ranked team in the cluster. Powerhouse Belgium leads the pack at No. 9 with 1,742.23 points, followed by Iran, while Egypt looms at No. 29 with 1,562.36 points. New Zealand brings up the rear at No. 85 with 1,275.58 points, making the All Whites the lowest-ranked nation in the entire tournament field. Due to strained diplomatic relations with the U.S., the Iranian delegation had to navigate a minefield of obstacles just to get here, at one point facing the real possibility of missing the tournament entirely. Ultimately, special arrangements were made to keep them in the mix, including a unique setup where Team Melli moved its base camp from Tucson, Arizona, to Tijuana, Mexico, requiring them to cross the border directly on match days. Members of the Iranian national soccer team arrive at Tijuana International Airport. The 2026 tournament marks Iran’s fourth consecutive World Cup appearance, a model of consistency matched in Asia only by South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Japan, and Australia. Sporting an all-time tournament record of 3-4-11, Iran will look to rewrite its history books and survive the group stage for the very first time. Iran’s 2026 World Cup schedule In both 2018 and 2022, Iran secured pivotal group-stage victories but ultimately fell just short of the knockout rounds, finishing third in their group both times. Now, with the tournament expanded to include wildcard spots for the best third-place finishers, Team Melli has a golden opportunity to finally shatter that glass ceiling. Iran opens its campaign against New Zealand in what shapes up as a mandatory three points for the Asian side. From there, the road gets significantly tougher as they clash with Belgium on June 21, before wrapping up group play against Mohamed Salah’s Egypt on the 27th, two heavyweight matchups despite Iran’s favorable edge in the FIFA rankings.
Full preview of Morocco for the 2026 World Cup, including squad breakdown, key players, and tactical analysis of their chances. Morocco enters the 2026 tournament carrying massive expectations following their historic fourth-place finish four years ago. Currently ranked eighth in the world, the Atlas Lions are no longer a surprise package. They are now a genuine heavyweight on the international stage. Despite a shocking coaching change just three months before the competition, the roster remains loaded with elite talent. Many squad members compete at the highest levels of European club soccer. This World Cup 2026 team preview breaks down how the North African side plans to navigate Group C. We will highlight our Morocco tactical analysis, the impact of their new coach, and the Morocco key players who will define their summer. The pressure is firmly on to maintain their reputation as a global soccer power. Team profile CoachMohamed OuahbiCaptainAchraf HakimiNicknameThe Atlas LionsFIFA ranking8thConfederationCAFGroupGroup CBest World Cup resultFourth Place (2022)World Cup appearances7Last World Cup appearance2022 How Morocco play Morocco has evolved significantly since their defensive masterclass in 2022. They have transformed into a dominant, possession-based side. The preferred Morocco formation allows the team to dictate the tempo and break down low blocks effectively. During their recent qualification matches, the Atlas Lions averaged an impressive 5.9 shots on target per game. This highlights their newfound attacking intent. Striker Ayoub El Kaabi capitalized on this elite service, averaging 1.69 goals every 90 minutes during the continental qualifiers. Defensively, they remain resolute. The team utilizes a suffocating high press that limits opponent opportunities. However, the sudden managerial transition introduces some tactical uncertainty. Opponents might look to exploit any disorganization during defensive transitions. Ultimately, their ability to balance an aggressive attacking style with traditional defensive solidity will determine their tournament fate. Mohamed Ouahbi: The coach behind Morocco Mohamed Ouahbi takes charge of the national team just three months before the tournament begins. He replaces the highly successful Walid Regragui. Ouahbi steps into the spotlight after leading the under-20 side to a global championship in Chile last October. Morocco coach coach Mohamed Ouahbi (R) speaks to the media (Getty Images). The 49-year-old built his coaching foundation in Belgium. He worked his way up through youth academies at Maccabi Brussels and Anderlecht before joining the federation as a Morocco coach. He inherits a golden generation of players and a fully functioning locker room. While his tactical acumen is highly regarded, managing the intense media scrutiny of a senior international squad is difficult. Ouahbi’s ability to quickly implement his vision under immense pressure could define his team’s summer campaign. Key player: Achraf Hakimi Achraf Hakimi is the driving force for the Atlas Lions. He serves as team captain and their most dangerous wide threat. The Paris Saint-Germain defender brings elite pedigree to the squad, having won league titles in France and Italy. With 95 caps and 11 international goals, the 27-year-old right-back offers a complete athletic profile. His background as a winger allows him to provide dynamic, overlapping runs. These runs consistently overload opposing defenses down the right flank. Hakimi’s stamina, precise crossing, and defensive composure make him irreplaceable. If he were to suffer an injury, the team would lose its primary creative outlet and most experienced leader. Morocco’s road to the 2026 World Cup The Atlas Lions dominated their continental qualification group. They finished with a perfect record of eight wins from eight matches. Morocco became the first African nation to secure a spot in North America. They clinched qualification in September 2025 with a command
The rising Socceroos star isn’t interested in celebrity and heads into his first World Cup with a strong connection to his roots and feet firmly on the ground⚽️ How to watch the Socceroos | Australia team guide⚽️ Guide to all 1,248 players | Bracketology | World CupThe 22-year-old was surprised but not unhappy when he saw the image on social media. “Mohamed Touré is … The Ter-Mo-Nator,” the poster mock-up read, crafted in Photoshop or an AI tool, with Touré’s left eye glowing red. “Target acquired.”Touré – whose nickname is Mo – has sparked the most excitement in Australian football fans for a Socceroos striker since Mark Viduka, who emerged at Melbourne Knights close to four decades ago. As one of the faces of the Socceroos’ current World Cup campaign, the hype is something Touré is starting to get used to. Continue reading...
Fulham owner Shahid Khan has promised fans the club will look to appoint a new manager "in a timely but deliberate manner", following the announcement of Marco Silva's departure. The billionaire promised to take the Cottagers to "the next level" after purchasing the club from Mohamed Al Fayed in purchasing the club from Mohamed Al Fayed in July 2013. After a few seasons bouncing between the Premier League and the Championship, the club has sustained its top-flight status since promotion in 2021-22 under Silva.
