Are Iran the unluckiest side in World Cup history?
Iran had a place in the last 32 of the World Cup snatched away from them at the last minute not once but twice.
Coverage by Political Leaning
See how different sides of the spectrum reported this story
Notable Quotes
"the 'most oppressed' team at the tournament."
— Amir Ghalenoei , Athlete
Key People
Amir Ghalenoei is the coach of Iran's national football team.
Mehdi Taremi is a striker for the Iranian national soccer team.
Ramin Rezaeian is an Iranian soccer player who participated in the World Cup match against New Zealand.
Shoja Khalilzadeh is an Iranian professional football player.
All Coverage
Iran had a place in the last 32 of the World Cup snatched away from them at the last minute not once but twice.
Similar Stories
Related coverage based on topic and tags
England World Cup hopes end after Netherlands draw
England's chances of World Cup glory are over after they draw 2-2 with the Netherlands.
August 24, 2026 at 08:40 PMIreland below standards in World Cup loss to Scotland
Ireland coach Gareth Grundie describes the performance in the 2-1 World Cup defeat by Scotland as "not to the standard that we'd set ourselves".
August 22, 2026 at 12:24 PMAfter six months, the Iran war has reached its endgame - a costly stalemate - Reuters
After six months, the Iran war has reached its endgame - a costly stalemate Reuters
August 27, 2026 at 10:54 AMFenerbahce back in the Champions League after 18 years
Goals from Vedat Muriqi and Archie Brown prove to be enough for Fenerbahce to get past Lyon and in to the league stage of the Champions League.
August 26, 2026 at 09:26 PMViking reach Champions League for first time with victory over Dinamo Zagreb
Viking shock Dinamo Zagreb with a 3-1 win to book their place in the Champions League.
August 26, 2026 at 09:34 PMWorld Cup winners, FIFA legends say Infantino blinded by power - Reuters
World Cup winners, FIFA legends say Infantino blinded by power Reuters
August 24, 2026 at 04:29 PM