Iran Soccer Team is playing in Group D along with Mexico, Angola and Portugal. The three time Asian Champions is a good blend of youth and experience. The team of Iran is nicknamed Team Melli.

In the preliminary round of the Asian Qualifying matches for Germany 2006, Iran Soccer Team was defeated 1-0 by Jordan in the away match. In the return home match with Jordan they emerged triumphant with a 2-0 win. Iran still topped its group with 5 wins and 1 loss and went into the Asian Qualifying final round in Group 2 alongwith Japan, Bahrain and North Korea.

Iran had a goalless draw in Bahrain. Vahid Hashemian struck both of Iran's goals leading the team to a 2-1 victory over Japan in March 2005. With this victory, Iran had a four-match winning streak. Iran lost their final Group 2 match in Tokyo in Aug 2005, but it did not make much difference as they had already secured their place in the Football World Cup Finals.

Iran, three times champions of Asia participated in their first world cup in 1978 in Argentina. They again participated in the World Cup of 1998 in France by eliminating Australia on away goals in a two-legged play-off. In France, they defeated United States of America 2-1 in Lyon. In 2001, Iran lost to the Republic of Ireland in the qualifying play-off and lost the opportunity for the second successive FIFA World Cup appearance.

Miroslav Blazevic stepped down after Iran Soccer Team could not qualify for 2002 South Korea/Japan match. Croatian coach Branko Ivannkovic took charge and guided the Iranian team to the first place in 2002 Asian Games. He introduced young players into the team and inculcated team spirit. He also persuaded Vahid Hashemian to join back.

Team Melli is being considered the best in Iranian football history. The players to watch are Ali Karimi, Mehdi Mahdavika, Ali Daei and Vahid Hashemian.