Why is Iran called IRN? Explaining country code for 2026 World Cup team

The 2026 FIFA World Cup returns Iran to the tournament under the abbreviation “IRN,” and the article explains why that code appears in FIFA scoreboards and graphics. It states that IRN is Iran’s official three-letter country code, derived directly from the country’s name. FIFA uses “IRN” on scoreboards, standings, and official World Cup visuals, and the notation is not unique to soccer. The article adds that Iran competes as IRN in other international sports such as basketball, volleyball, and the Olympic Games. It also provides geographic context, saying Iran is in West Asia and borders Iraq, Turkey, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. With a population of around 90 million, it lists Persian (Farsi) as the official language and Tehran as the capital. Iran is appearing for the seventh time and has qualified for four of the last five editions.