From defections and protests to moments of national pride, the 2026 World Cup arrives amid decades of tension between identity and the state.

The Iran soccer team thanked fans in L.A. after making history while tying its first two World Cup games at SoFi Stadium in front of sellout crowds.

Problems with processing visas had earlier led Iran to move its training base from Tucson, Arizona, to Tijuana, Mexico.

Iran's World Cup team coach says it was ordered to leave the U.S. and return to its training base in Mexico only a few hours after opening its politically charged tournament with a draw.

After two late goals in another game sealed Iran’s fate, Team Melli was left to rue one of the most brutal exits in World Cup ...

Fans following Iran at the 2026 World Cup may be wondering why Team Melli are listed as "IRN" on scoreboards and standings. Here's the explanation behind FIFA's official country code.

A few minutes after 5 a.m. last Sunday, a charter flight carrying Iran’s World Cup team touched down at Tijuana’s international airport, the light on the horizon providing only a hint of the day — and ...