A rare series of photographs of Iran’s national football team during the 1998 World Cup has recently been released, offering a vivid look at the team’s historic campaign in France.
The 1998 World Cup was Iran’s second appearance at the finals, following their debut in 1978. Placed in Group F alongside Germany, Yugoslavia, and the United States, the team’s most memorable moment came on June 21, 1998, when they defeated the US 2-1. The match carried deep political symbolism beyond sport, earning the label “match of the century” from global media.
The images show Iranian players in their kits, on-field action, and passionate fan support. Notably, a photograph captures Iranian and American players posing together before the match, holding flowers and smiling—a powerful symbol of sportsmanship transcending political divisions.
Although Iran failed to advance past the group stage after losses to Germany (0-2) and Yugoslavia (0-1), their victory over the US remains a historic milestone. The rare photos evoke the tournament’s vibrant atmosphere, featuring icons such as Ali Daei, Khodadad Azizi, and Mehdi Mahdavikia.
The photographs are believed to have been taken by an Iranian sports photographer and were released after more than 25 years in storage. They serve not only as valuable archival material for Iranian football fans but also as a lasting memory in global sports history.
