It's so close you can almost touch it. After years of build-up, the 2026 World Cup will kick-off in just over 24 hours' time when co-hosts Mexico face off against South Africa in a repeat of the opening game from 2010. Over the next five-and-a-half weeks, records will be broken and legacies rewritten as a number of modern greats do battle to win the most recognisable trophy in all of sport.
During last December's World Cup draw at the Kennedy Centre in Washington D.C., FIFA president Gianni Infantino was introduced as "football's No.1 fan". Most supporters unsurprisingly scoffed, but Infantino is a football fan. And, just like every football fan, he's never forgotten his first World Cup. It was the 1982 tournament in Spain and, for the Swiss-born son of Italian immigrants, it was "spectacular".
Cristiano Ronaldo is preparing to lead Portugal into a record-breaking sixth World Cup, but questions are already being asked about whether his time on home soil is coming to an end. National team boss Roberto Martinez has addressed whether a pre-tournament friendly against Nigeria serves as a final farewell for the legendary forward.
Lionel Messi proved he is ready to lead Argentina's World Cup defence after making a goalscoring return to action in a 3-0 friendly win over Iceland. After missing the previous warm-up match due to fitness concerns, the legendary number 10 needed just moments to make his mark from the penalty spot in Alabama.
Supporters have a number of opportunities to purchase tickets for matches involving Iran, via the FIFA website, between now and the big kick-off in June. The various sales phases differ in terms of purchasing processes, payment methods and ticket products.
To buy tickets, you must visit the official FIFA ticketing portal and register for an account. You can then log in to your FIFA account and check out ticket availability.
Can I buy Iran World Cup 2026 resale tickets?
If you are looking for an official and secure way to resell/exchange your FIFA World Cup 26 tickets, the FIFA Resale/Exchange Marketplace is the official channel for doing so. The Marketplace opened in October and be accessed via FIFA.com/tickets.
FIFA World Cup 2026 tickets will also be available from secondary resellers, such as StubHub and Ticombo.
Will there be an opportunity to purchase Iran World Cup 2026 tickets directly at the stadium?
No, tickets will not be available for purchase at the stadiums during FIFA World Cup 2026. There will be no over-the-counter ticket sales. FIFA.com/tickets is the official portal for purchasing tickets.
Who has scored the most goals for Iran at World Cup Finals?
Iran’s heavy 6-2 loss to England in their opener at the 2022 World Cup was a bitter pill to swallow, but Mehdi Taremi's consolation double strike meant that he became Iran’s top World Cup scorer of all-time. The Olympiacos striker will be hoping to add to his tally further in North America. In terms of World Cup appearances, Ehsan Hajsafi tops Iran's standings with 9 caps, after playing in all his side's matches at the 2014, 2018 and 2022 tournaments.