Iran went home from the 2026 FIFA World Cup without losing a single match. They also went home without winning one. Three draws, three points, and a disallowed stoppage-time goal against Egypt that would have changed everything.

Team Melli finished third in Group G after their 1-1 draw with Egypt on June 26-27. Combined with a 2-2 result against New Zealand on June 15 and a 0-0 stalemate against Belgium, Iran’s defensive resilience was undeniable.

The finest of margins

The cruelest moment came in stoppage time against Egypt. Iran had a goal disallowed that would have given them the win and, potentially, a path into the knockout rounds. Instead, the 1-1 draw left them needing other results to break their way. Those…