Iran makes their sixth ever appearance at the FIFA World Cup this Fall in Qatar – 200 miles across the Persian Gulf. However, in the past they have never advanced into the Round of 16. Group B will challenge 'Team Melli,' as they anticipate three difficult matchups against England, Wales, and the United States of […]

The Iran soccer federation launched in Persia in 1920, but it did not reach the biggest stage until the 1978 World Cup. One year later the Iranian Revolution took place and Iranian soccer regressed under the new regime. Nevertheless, at its nucleus, the depths of Iran's national team are rooted in the Persian Kingdom – […]

Since the Iran Revolution ignited in September, what began as furious protests toward the murder of Mahsa Amini, has bolstered into a national uprising in solidarity against the Islamic Republic. With refinery contractors going on strike, undermining the intrastate economy, a theocracy nears the brink of overthrow. The regime murdered hundreds of youthful protestors. It […]

FIFA has received a letter requesting a ban for Iran from the upcoming World Cup in Qatar. The appeal has even come from a group inside of the Middle Eastern country. The group, through a law firm based in Spain, asked FIFA president Gianni Infantino to suspend the country because of a "deeply unpalatable" situation […]

Historically, the Islamic Republic feared the success of Iranian soccer players at major tournaments, like the World Cup. For decades, the regime maintained ignoble feelings that Iran's success could inspire the masses to pour into the streets in civil unrest. This threatened the security of a watertight Shiite government. As a result, Team Melli never […]

Iran's national soccer team is on a course of action with positive and negative effects. Qatar 2022 marks the nation's sixth time at the World Cup. However, Iran's government is strongly linked to the affairs of its soccer federation. As a result, Team Melli's competition at the upcoming tournament against England, Wales, and the United […]

Historically, foreign-born managers find little success of major value at the World Cup. Only two countries with foreign-adopted coaches reached the final. In 1958, Englishman George Raynor managed to take Sweden to the final as hosts in 1958. Austrian Ernst Happel led the the Netherlands to a second-lace finish in Argentina 1978. At the 2022 […]

The FIFA World Cup produces rivals that are seemingly exclusive to this competition. In international soccer, the majority of rivalries are geographical. For instance, Mexico and the United States have a heated rivalry as neighbors. Similarly, Brazil and Argentina consistently produce world class talent going head-to-head regularly. Finally, England and Germany date back to before […]