FIFA Ranking: 43 (Last Updated 05 Jun 2014)
History: Iran have qualified in three World Cups so far. They made their debut in 1978 followed by the 1998 campaign and lastly the 2006 edition in Germany. They haven`t been able to go past the group stage in all three editions.
Qualifying report: Their initial scenario was in jeopardy after managing just two goals and two wins in opening five matches. But after three successive victories, including an away win against South Korea saw them top the group above the latter.
Star Players: Javad Nekounam scored two goals in the qualification round. He plays for Al-Kuwait (Kuwait) at club level. He is Iran`s captain and is one of the most experienced players in the team. Javad is a central midfielder and has a knack for scoring goals. He has played 137 matches for Iran. With age catching up, he isn`t that swift anymore but is still a vital player for the Asian giants.
Ashkan Dejagah is a versatile forward. He plays for Fulham (England) at club level. He can play as a striker and can also play as a right winger. He was a prominent figure in the Bundesliga where he made over 150 appearances for Wolfsburg. He has the ability to take on any defender, which proivdes his team with a unique option. His direct style of play is vital for Iran`s success at the World Cup.
Top Scorer during WC Qualification 2014: Javad Nekuonam (2)
Top scorer at the Cup: Mehdi Mahdavikia (1)
Most World Cup caps: Mehdi Mahdavikia (6)
Team record at the Cup: M: 9, W: 1, D: 2, L: 6
Coach: Carlos Queiroz - The ex-Manchester United assistant manager took charge of Iran in 2011. He was sacked as Portugal manager in 2010. His reward for securing a World Cup place saw him earn a contract extension until the end of this summer after the tournament.
Squad:
Goalkeepers: Daniel Davari (Eintracht Braunschweig), Rahman Ahmadi (Sepahan Isfahan), Alireza Haqiqi (Sporting da Covilha)
Defenders: Hossein Mahini (Persepolis), Jalal Hosseini (Persepolis), Amir Hossein Sadeqi (Esteghlal), Hashem Beykzadeh (Esteghlal), Mehrdad Pouladi (Persepolis), Ahmad Alenemeh (Naft Tehran), Pejman Montazeri (Umm Salal SC), Steven Beitashour (Vancouver Whitecaps FC), Mohammad Reza Khanzadeh (Zob Ahan Isfahan)
Midfielders: Reza Haghighi (Persepolis), Andranik Teymourian (Esteghlal), Ghasem Hadadifar (Zob Ahan Isfahan), Bakhtiar Rahmani (Foolad), Javad Nekounam (Kuwait SC), Ehsan Hajsafi (Sepahan Isfahan)
Forwards: Khosrow Heidari (Esteghlal), Karim Ansarifard (Tractor Sazi), Reza Ghoochannejhad (Charlton Athletic), Alireza Jahanbakhsh (NEC),Masoud Shojaei (UD Las Palmas), Ashkan Dejagah (Fulham)
Group listing: Group E - Bosnia, Argentina and Nigeria.
Fixtures:
June 16: Iran v Nigeria, Curitiba
June 21: Argentina v Iran, Belo Horizonte
June 25: Bosnia-Herzegovina v Iran, Salvador