27 Mar
Fri
•9:00pm
Lusail Stadium • Doha
16 Jun
Tue
•8:00pm
Arrowhead Stadium • Kansas City
22 Jun
Mon
•12:00pm
AT&T Stadium • Arlington
27 Jun
Sat
•9:00pm
AT&T Stadium • Arlington
15 Jun
Mon
•6:00pm
SoFi Stadium • Los Angeles
21 Jun
Sun
•12:00pm
SoFi Stadium • Los Angeles
26 Jun
Fri
•8:00pm
Lumen Field • Seattle
Lionel Messi leads the title defense in 2026 with a squad that stays true to its DNA: patient possession, creativity between the lines and quick one-touch combinations that tear down even the toughest defenses.
On the other side, Iran sticks to a totally different game plan, built on a compact block, full-blooded challenges and lightning-fast transitions.
Their only previous World Cup meeting, at Brazil 2014, was decided by a last-gasp left-footed strike from the No. 10 after a near-perfect display of resistance from the Asian side.
In a group where a single draw or defeat could be the difference between going through or going home early, this Argentina–Iran showdown will be played on a knife-edge, with zero room for complacency.
La Albiceleste arrives at the World Cup with three titles (1978, 1986 and 2022) and a champion core that still revolves around Messi, supported by key pieces like Julián Álvarez and Rodrigo De Paul.
The Persian national team boasts an impressive continental record, with three consecutive Asian Cups in the seventies and regular appearances at recent World Cups.
Up front, Mehdi Taremi and Sardar Azmoun are ready to punish any mistake and demand absolute focus for the full 90 minutes.
This is a showdown between a historic powerhouse and an Asian force on the rise. Don’t just watch it on TV—secure your tickets and experience this World Cup Argentina–Iran clash live in the stadium.