FIFA World Cup 2026: Iran's Alireza Jahanbakhsh, Ehsan Hajsafi become first from country to feature in four editions
Seattle, June 27
Iranian veterans Alireza Jahanbakhsh and Ehsan Hajsafi have etched their names into FIFA World Cup history after becoming the first players from the country to feature in four editions of the tournament.
The duo achieved the milestone during Iran's Group G clash against Egypt in the FIFA World Cup 2026 on Friday (local time), marking a rare feat of longevity at the highest level of international football.
Both Jahanbakhsh and Hajsafi have now represented Iran at the 2014, 2018, 2022, and 2026 editions of the World Cup, underlining their sustained presence in the national setup across more than a decade.
Ahead of the Egypt clash, Iran goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand has described Egypt as a strong side ahead of their crucial Group G clash in the ongoing FIFA World Cup 2026, saying that all 26 players in the squad are of the same calibre as star forward Mohamed Salah.
"Egypt has great players. All 26 players that this team brought to the World Cup are like a Mohamed Salah," Beiranvand said, according to Iran Media SNN.
"We only think about the people of Iran and their happiness," he added. The Iranians have shown resilience in Group G of the FIFA World Cup 2026, remaining unbeaten after drawing 2-2 with New Zealand and playing out a goalless stalemate against Belgium.
Iran squad for FIFA World Cup 2026:
Goalkeepers: Alireza Beiranvand, Hossein Hosseini and Payam Niazmand.
Defenders: Daniyal Eiri, Ehsan Hajsafi, Saleh Hardani, Hossein Kanaani, Shoja Khalilzadeh, Milad Mohammadi, Ali Nemati and Ramin Rezaeian.
Midfielders: Rouzbeh Cheshmi, Saeid Ezatolahi, Mehdi Ghayedi, Saman Ghoddos, Mohammad Ghorbani, Alireza Jahanbakhsh, Mohammad Mohebi, Amir Mohammad Razzaghinia, Mehdi Torabi and Aria Yousefi.
Forwards: Ali Alipour, Dennis Dargahi, Amirhossein Hosseinzadeh, Shahriyar Moghanlou and Mehdi Taremi.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Well done to Iran! Two players achieving four World Cup appearances is no joke. The goalkeeper's comment about Egypt having 26 players like Salah is a classic example of underdog mentality - respecting the opponent while staying confident. Iran has always been a tough team in Asian football. Hope India can learn from their consistency and reach the World Cup one day! 🏆
Impressive feat! But I'm a bit skeptical about the goalkeeper's claim that all 26 players are like Salah. Come on, Beiranvand - that's typical pre-match diplomacy. Still, Iran being unbeaten against New Zealand and Belgium shows they're no pushovers. Jahanbakhsh and Hajsafi deserve all the praise - four World Cups spanning 12 years is legendary stuff! 👏
As a football fan from India, I can't help but feel a bit envious. Iran has been representing Asia consistently at the World Cup, and now they have players with four appearances. Their draw against Belgium is massive - those are the kind of results that make Asian football proud. Jahanbakhsh and Hajsafi are true legends for Iranian football. Hope our boys in blue can achieve similar consistency in the future! ⚽
Amazing achievement for Iran! 🇮🇷 But I wish more attention was given to the struggles of ordinary Iranians back home while the team plays on the world stage. Still, their resilience on the pitch is commendable - unbeaten against New Zealand and Belgium shows real character. Jahanbakhsh and Hajsafi represent the best of Asian football. Would be great to see India there too one day! 🤞
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