India vs Iran: Head-to-Head record

India will take on Iran on September 1 in the CAFA Nations Cup 2025.

The Indian football team will face arguably the toughest challenge they have faced in the last 12 months on September 1 when they come up against Iran in the CAFA Nations Cup 2025.

Both teams are placed in Group B alongside Tajikistan and Afghanistan. Iran and India will square off in their second match of the tournament, after playing against Afghanistan and Tajikistan in the opening fixtures, respectively.

The Indian team is going through a phase of transition, while the Iranians are focused on preparing for the FIFA World Cup next year. The Blue Tigers have a young squad under the newly appointed head coach Khalid Jamil, whereas Team Milli has a settled core of experienced players. The defending CAFA Nations Cup champions will be overwhelming favourites against India.

Also Read: Indian Football Team Rival Watch: Iran

Head-to-Head record against Iran

India and Iran have been old rivals with their standoffs dating back to 1951. Iran have an astounding head-to-head record against India. Both teams have played against each other ten times. The Blue Tigers have won on only one occasion, whereas Iran have emerged victorious in eight of those ten matches. One fixture has ended in a stalemate.

Iran have been the clear winners in the last few matches, but the rivalry did not have a similar beginning. India had the first laugh when they beat Iran in the first-ever meeting between the two sides in 1951. The match was played in the 1951 Asian Games held in Delhi. India registered a narrow 1-0 victory. However, since then, it has been a smooth ride for the Iranians in this fixture.

It was almost a decade ago when India last faced Iran in a competitive fixture. In the 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, both teams were drawn in the same group. In the two qualifiers, Iran absolutely thrashed India with a 3-0 and 4-0 score line. The Blue Tigers wouldn’t have forgotten this humbling and will be aware of the massive challenge awaiting them.

India vs Iran: All-time head-to-head record

Total matches played: 10

India wins: 1

Draws: 1

Iran Wins: 8

Goals scored by India: 4

Goals scored by Iran: 24

Both teams will be missing some of the key players in this fixture. Iran do not have Sardar Azmoun and Alireza Beiranvand. The star striker Azmoun is missing in action due to a calf injury, whereas Alireza Beiranvand, who has been a regular starter for Iran between the sticks, has not been included in the squad for reasons not specified.

For India, player availability concerns are more grave. Mohun Bagan Super Giant have not released Indian internationals like Anirudh Thapa, Sahal Abdul Samad, Liston Colaco, Manvir Singh, and Deepak Tangri. These players have been a crucial part of the Indian team in the last few years. However, their absence also provides other players with an opportunity to showcase their potential on the international stage.

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.