Iran

Celebrate Iran’s spirited campaign at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia with this collectible Panini trading card, a tribute to one of Asia’s most resilient football teams. Under the guidance of seasoned coach Carlos Queiroz, Iran entered Group B alongside heavyweights Spain and Portugal, plus Morocco. Despite the daunting draw, Team Melli delivered a disciplined and determined performance, finishing the group stage with four points—just shy of qualification. Their opening match saw a dramatic 1–0 victory over Morocco, courtesy of a last-minute own goal, marking only their second-ever World Cup win.

Iran’s squad blended domestic talent with European-based stars, including Alireza Jahanbakhsh, the Eredivisie’s top scorer that season, and Sardar Azmoun, who was familiar with Russian turf from his time at Rubin Kazan. The team’s defensive prowess was evident throughout the tournament, conceding just two goals across three matches. Their final group game against Portugal ended in a tense 1–1 draw, showcasing Iran’s tactical maturity and fighting spirit.