Iran achieved a significant milestone in their match against Belgium, marking their second encounter in the group stage of the 2026 World Cup. The Middle Eastern nation started the game with the oldest first eleven ever seen at any World Cup finals.
With an average age of 32 years and 181 days, Iran’s squad against Belgium set a new record for the oldest starting team since OPTA began tracking such statistics.
Iran’s Historic Lineup: The Oldest Starting Eleven at a World Cup
The youngest player in Amir Ghalenoei’s starting eleven was 27-year-old Mohammad Mohebi, who plays for FK Rostov. The oldest player was 37-year-old Shoja Khalilzadeh, a defender from Tractor.
- Iran – 32 years and 181 days vs. Belgium – 2026
- Germany – 32 years and 334 days vs. Iran – 1998
- Belgium – 31 years and 301 days vs. Mexico – 1998
Starting Lineups: Belgium vs. Iran
Iran (4-5-1): Beiranvand (33), Kanani (32), Hardani (27), Nemati (30), Khalilzadeh (37), Hajsafi (37), Mohebi (27), Ghoddoos (32), Ezatolahi (29), Rezaeian (36), Taremi (33)
Substitutes: Niazmand, Hosseini, Mohammadi, Yousefi, Iri, Jahanbakhsh, Cheshmi, Torabi, Ghorbani, Razaghinia, Ghayedi, Alipour, Hosseinzadeh, Moghanloo, Dargahi
Coach: Amir Ghalenoei
Belgium (4-2-3-1): Courtois, Meunier, Ngoy, Mechele, De Cuyper, Raskin, Tielemans, Saelemaekers, De Bruyne, Trossard, Lukaku
Substitutes: Lammens, Penders, Theate, De Winter, Seys, Castagne, Witsel, D. Moreira, Vanaken, A. Onana, Lukebakio, De Ketelaere, Fernandez-Pardo
Coach: Rudi Garcia
