Are Iran the unluckiest side in World Cup history?
Summary
Iran’s national soccer team was eliminated from the 2026 World Cup despite not losing a game. They missed out on advancing to the last 32 teams due to goal difference and late-match decisions, including a disallowed winning goal and a last-minute equalizer in another game.Key Facts
- Iran remained unbeaten in their group but did not advance to the knockout stage.
- Iran needed to beat Egypt to guarantee advancing but drew 1-1 after a late goal was called off for offside.
- The offside call was very close, with the player’s toe just ahead of the defender.
- Iran’s advancement depended on the Algeria vs. Austria match in the final group games.
- Algeria scored a late winning goal but Austria equalized in stoppage time, causing Iran to be eliminated.
- Senegal advanced instead of Iran due to having a better goal difference among third-place teams.
- Iran faced challenges before the tournament, including travel restrictions and having to change their training base from Arizona to Mexico.
- Iran’s players only received permission to enter the U.S. shortly before their matches and had to leave immediately after playing.
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