Consistency has been a strength of Iran, having qualified for the last three tournaments in a row.

But the main caveat is Team Melli have never managed to progress further than the group stage and into the knockout round.

In each of their recent World Cup campaigns, they were led by Carlos Queiroz, who claimed two Premier League titles and the Champions League while serving as an assistant to Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United.

The Portuguese manager did not take Iran through their most recent qualification, though, with his predecessor Dragan Skočić sealing their route to Qatar.

The Croatian helped Iran win 14 games out of 18 to top their groups in the second and third qualifying rounds before he was bizarrely relieved of his duties in the summer. 

With Queiroz back in the hot seat, the stage is set for the 20th-ranked side in the world to pull off a potential surprise.

Strengths

Under the tutelage of Queiroz, Iran have often been typified by hard work, organisation and a disciplined defensive style which minimises turnovers in dangerous areas.

Their defensive record at recent international tournaments is strong as a result with 10 clean sheets in 16 games, including conceding just twice in a group containing Portugal and Spain at the 2018 World Cup in Russia. 

Iran’s defence-first approach will mean we can expect to see plenty of man-to-man marking and a compact shape further down the pitch to make it difficult for attacking players to find any space.

Going forward, Iran are able to adapt their attacking patterns depending on how their opposition set out to play which can be a big strength in terms of unpredictability.

Weaknesses

While Iran’s simplicity in their play can be admired, they have a number of issues across the board that are likely to prevent them from going into a deep World Cup run.

Team Melli have a typically ageing squad and while that serves as a stable base for experience, it also comes with a lack of pace and even adventure which can affect the side in transitions.

Iran’s defensive style under Queiroz can also be a potential hindrance. While his defenders are expected to be prepared for the physical battle, the requirement to be mentally switched on for large periods of play in games could be taxing.

Their lack of a possession-based style of play could also hurt them in that they are unable to fully control phases of the play, which can leave them at risk of letting games get away from them.

Ideal XI

Beiranvand; Moharrami, Kanaani, Khalilzadeh, Hajsafi; Ezatolahi; Jahanbakhsh, Nourollahi, Amiri, Taremi; Azmoun

As already noted, Iran are expected to have one of the more senior squads at the World Cup and could lean on their experience to carry them through the group. 

Alireza Beiranvand is expected to line up in goal having started in 13 of Iran’s qualifying matches, keeping four clean sheets in the process. 

The Persepolis stopper has amassed 52 caps to his name to date and featured during the last World Cup campaign in Russia.

An experienced backline features ahead of Beiranvand, including Sadegh Moharrami of Dinamo Zagreb, Hossein Kanaani, Shoja Khalilzadeh and AEK Athens’ Ehsan Hajsafi.

In midfield, Saeid Ezatolahi of Danish side Vejle BK is expected to provide some bite in the middle of the pitch and can be placed alongside Ahmad Nourollahi and veteran Vahid Amiri, who has been capped 67 times. 

Iran’s attacking options are where things start to get more exciting, though, with a host of interesting options at Queiroz’s disposal. 

With a question mark lingering over the fitness of Bayer Leverkusen star Sardar Azmoun, the burden may have to be shared across the board.

Mehdi Taremi is expected to be the main danger man should Azmoun fail to recover and the Porto forward has been a dependable, productive option at club level since he joined the club in 2020. 

Former Brighton winger Alireza Jahanbakhsh is expected to line up on the right-hand flank.

Hottest contest

Expecting to line up in a 4-1-4-1 system which moves into a 4-3-3, Queiroz will undoubtedly have certain names in the squad that will be a given on his team sheet.

But there could well be some competition for the attacking spots in the side, particularly with the uncertainty of Azmoun's fitness. 

Taremi's strong form this season, especially in the Champions League, will likely stand him in good stead to land a spot as Iran's focal point. 

But the likes of Karim Ansarifard will not want to be ignored either and could challenge with Jahanbakhsh occupying the right flank.

Ultimately, Azmoun's status will be a big determiner for Queiroz's decisions. 

Prediction

While anything is possible at a World Cup, Iran will have to battle hard if they are to progress having been placed in a tough-looking group with England, Wales and the USA.  

Fifth-ranked side England will be expected to end Group B as winners, which will leave the final knockout stage spot up for grabs.

Iran face the Three Lions in their opening match on November 21st and a loss will have them playing catch-up early on.

However, it would be possible for them to still progress, though, but they would need to record wins against Wales and the USA.

But again, it is not a simple task for Iran given the Dragons have plenty of recent experience with matches on the big stage, while the Americans have a young, adventurous squad that could spring a surprise.

It would be unfair to completely write Iran off before a ball has even been kicked, but the unkind draw looks to have already left them in a difficult spot regarding their tournament hopes.

Iran's full squad

Goalkeepers: Amir Abedzadeh, Alireza Beiranvand, Hossein Hosseini, Payam Niazmand

Defenders: Sadegh Moharrami, Ehsan Hajsafi, Shoja Khalilzadeh, Milad Mohammadi, Morteza Pouraliganji, Hossein Kanaani, Majid Hosseini, Ramin Rezaian, Abolfazl Jalali

Midfielders: Saeid Ezatolahi, Saman Ghoddos, Ahmad Nourollahi, Roozbeh Chechmi, Ali Karimi

Forwards: Alireza Jahanbakhsh, Mehdi Taremi, Karim Ansarifard, Vahid Amiri, Mehdi Torabi, Ali Gholizadeh, Sardar Azmoun