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Team Melli continue its winning run with another close victory.

Bishkek: Iran had to dig deep to overcome Kyrgyz Republic 3-2 in their AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26 Group A clash on Tuesday to move closer to a place in the FIFA World Cup 26 Finals.

Leading 2-0 at the break, Iran had to withstand a Kyrgyz Republic fightback in the second half before Sardar Azmoun struck the winner to take them to 16 points as they stayed three clear at the top.

Iran head coach Amir Ghalenoei opted for Hossein Kanani to partner Ali Nemati in the heart of defence in place of the suspended Shojae Khalilzadeh as his side made a confident start to the game.

They took the lead after only 12 minutes, Saied Ezatolahi’s header from a corner kick was saved by Erzhan Tokotaev, only for the rebound to fall kindly for Mehdi Taremi to slam home.

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Kyrgyz Republic did have a sustained period of possession after that but without much threat with Joel Kojo being tightly marked by the Iranian defense.

The visitors turned a defensive situation to their advantage in the 33rd minute when they broke after a Kyrgyz Republic corner kick with Azmoun releasing Saleh Hardani, with the experienced defender coolly slotting home past Tokotaev.

Kyrgyz Republic head coach Maksim Lisitsyn rang in the changes for the second half with Beknaz Almazbekov and Erbol Atabaev replacing Gulzhigit Alykulov and Kai Merk respectively, a tactic that paid quick dividends.

Almazbekov’s cross cum shot in the 50th minute had Alireza Beiranvand tracking back to tip over and from the ensuing corner kick, the home side pulled a goal back through Kojo’s header.

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Lifted by the goal, Kyrgyz Republic poured men forward and drew level in the  64th minute when Odilzhon Abdurakhmanov was fouled in the box with Kojo stepping up to send his penalty past Beiranvand.

Seeing his side being put under intense pressure, Ghalenoei responded with Roozbeh Cheshmi, Mohammad Ghorbani, Mehdi Ghayedi and Omid Norafkan coming on for Ezatolahi, Seyed Karimi, Ali Gholizadeh and Hardani.

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The moment of quality Iran were seeking finally came in the 76th minute from a Milad Mohammadi cross that was met with a thumping header by Azmoun to secure Iran’s fifth win. 

Iran will meet the United Arab Emirates when the AFC Asian Qualifiers resume in March with Kyrgyz Republic to take on Uzbekistan

Match preview: Kyrgyzstan vs Iran

Bishkek: Iran will expect to take another step towards sealing qualification when they play Kyrgyz Republic in Group A of the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26 on Tuesday.
Seeking a fourth consecutive and seventh overall appearance at the global showpiece, Iran holds a three-point lead at the summit, with the top two sides to qualify automatically for the Finals.

Despite a fightback from DPR Korea, Iran were deserved winners of their tie on Thursday after a dominant first half which saw them taking a 3-0 lead.
Head coach Amir Ghalenoei will want his side to avoid another nervous finish, which was sparked by Shojae Khalilzadeh’s 50th minute sending off.
“We have to be able to adapt to different situations. We managed to control the game through our substitutions and we must now shift our focus to the next game,” said Ghalenoei.

Kyrgyz Republic, appearing at this stage of the AFC Asian Qualifiers for the first time, only have three points on the board but remain in contention and will be determined to make home ground advantage count against Iran.
Maksim Lisitsyn’s lost 3-0 to United Arab Emirates on Thursday with the head coach attributing their heaviest defeat so far in the AFC Asian Qualifiers to mistakes of their own doing.
The Central Asian side were, however, a handful to their opponents in their earlier matches and will hope for a result against Iran, who were restricted to a 1-0 win when the sides met in September.
Kyrgyz Republic v IR Iran

Team Melli will be without Saman Ghoddos (injured) and Shoja’a Khalilzdeh (suspension). Mohammed Mohebbi will be doubtful and awaiting a fitness test.


Venue: Dolen Omurzakov Stadium (Bishkek)
Kick-off: 20:00 (UTC+6)

HEAD2HEAD

DateCompetitionScoreScorers
4th Jun 1997World Cup Qualifier7 – 0Farhad Majidi (2),Ali Mousavi , Ali Daei , Mehrdad Minavand , Karim Bagheri (2)
9th Jun 1997World Cup Qualifier3 – 1Khodada Azizi (2),Karim Bagheri
7th Jun 2016Friendly6 – 0Masoud Shojaei ,Mehdi Taremi ,Mehdi Torabi , Karim Ansarifard (2), Sardar Azmoun (1)
16th Jun 2023CAFA Nations Cup5 – 1Mehdi Taremi (3), Sardar Aazmoun (2)
5th Sep 2024World Cup Qualifier1 – 0Mehdi Taremi

Editorial: Ghaleneoi’s narrative.

Although far from a perfect coach for Team Melli, Amir Ghalenoei has delivered results that cannot be ignored. His record speaks volumes about his ability to achieve success even when the team struggles to perform at its best. However, his tenure has not been without controversy, particularly regarding his interactions with the media and his press conferences.

Why TeamMelli.com Limits Press Conference Coverage

Some of our followers have questioned the limited coverage of Ghalenoei’s press conferences during official matches. We believe it is important to clarify our stance. At TeamMelli.com, our focus has always been on Team Melli itself—the players, performance, and results—not on political narratives or personal agendas.

While we strongly advocate for free speech, open dialogue, and constructive criticism, we also value impartiality and balanced reporting. Unfortunately, Ghalenoei’s press conferences often deviate from these principles, turning into platforms for personal promotion, political rhetoric, or unwarranted attacks on journalists and critics.

The Nature of Ghalenoei’s Press Conferences

Ghalenoei’s press conferences typically follow a predictable pattern. They begin with a series of formalities: thanking various individuals, praising the Team Melli staff, and expressing gratitude to his boss, Mehdi Taj, the head of FFIRI, for performing his duties. While courteous, this repetitive routine often feels more like unnecessary theatrics than substantive dialogue.

The tone then shifts to a more combative narrative. Ghalenoei frequently criticizes media personnel who dare to question the team’s performance, sometimes implying that such critiques are unpatriotic. He also references alleged personal rivalries, claiming there are “jealous” individuals working against him, though he rarely elaborates. Fans, however, care less about these personal grievances and more about the team’s performance, strategy, and results.

Why We Choose to Focus Elsewhere

In the modern world of football, where data-driven analysis, tactical insights, and performance reviews dominate discussions, Ghalenoei’s narrative feels outdated. At TeamMelli.com, we prioritize content that adds value to our readers: match reports, player statistics, historical perspectives, and tactical breakdowns. Covering Ghalenoei’s press conferences, which often lack substance, does not align with this mission.

That said, we do not completely dismiss Ghalenoei’s comments. Occasionally, he offers valuable insights or observations that are worth sharing. However, we choose to filter out the rhetoric and focus on content that genuinely matters to Team Melli fans.

A Commitment to Constructive Dialogue

Our decision is not a rejection of Ghalenoei as a coach but rather a reflection of our commitment to meaningful and objective coverage. Team Melli deserves reporting that highlights its achievements, analyzes its challenges, and celebrates its history. By staying true to this mission, we ensure that our readers receive the most relevant and impactful content.

Squad update ahead of Kyrgyzstan match.

Team Melli will leave for Bishkek at 5 pm local time on a direct flight to the Kyrgyz Republic capital for the first match of the return round of FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers.

Missing from the squad will be three players.

Mohammad Mohebbi: The star of the game against Korea DPR and the scorer of a brace has received a knock and seems to be doubtful. It is not clear if he will fly with the team and if the coaching staff would utilize him for the game against Kyrgyzstan after passing a fitness test. His absence will be a blow for the team, especially as he has scored four goals in two games in the qualifiers.

Saman Ghoddos, whose injury has been diagnosed as more serious than initially thought, will not accompany the squad and instead will head back to the UAE for observation and treatment by his club medical team. Ghoddos did not play against North Korea on Thursday.

Shoja’a Khalilzadeh: His red card against Korea DPR means an automatic suspension, and he will not accompany the team to Bishkek.

Doubtful cases:
Sardar Azmoun: The center forward of Team Melli who has been in excellent form recently, received a knock in the last game against Korea DPR. Coach Ghalenoei p[ted to substitute him in the middle e of the second half. No further report of complications or the extent of the injury has been made public. Azmoun. however, is on the passenger manifest of the flight. His game time will be decided by Ghalenoei on Tuesday.

Mehdi Limouchi added to Team Melli squad.

FFIRI  website announced the inclusion of Sepahan’s winger to the squad.

Team Melli has landed in Tehran after playing against North Korea and is preparing for the return match vs Kyrgyzstan on Tuesday.

According to the announcement of the national team’s medical staff, the fitness of Mohammad Mohebi is being examined due to the hamstring injury that occurred during the match against North Korea. Accordingly, the Coaching staff invited Mehdi Limouchi to the national team’s training camp.

This player will be added to the national team’s training camp in Tehran tonight.
Mehdi Limouchi has been a key player in Sepahan this season and has featured in the AFC Champions League too. His skills and tenacity make him a good candidate to fill the gap of Mohebbi in case he is called upon to play.

Disciplinary record under Amir Ghalenoei

Amir Ghalenoei’s Tenure: A Tale of Success and Disciplinary Challenges

Since his appointment as the head coach of Team Melli, Amir Ghalenoei has achieved remarkable success, guiding the team to numerous victories. Under his leadership, Iran advanced deep into the AFC Asian Cup, eliminating powerhouses like Japan. However, a heartbreaking loss to Qatar in the semifinals dashed their title hopes, despite Iran being the favorites. In that tournament, Jordan had surprisingly eliminated South Korea, paving what seemed like a clear path for Iran to the final.

Disciplinary Issues: A Stain on an Otherwise Impressive Record

While Ghalenoei’s tenure has been marked by success on the pitch, a significant issue undermines his accomplishments: Team Melli’s poor disciplinary record. Under his leadership, the team has amassed 47 yellow cards and 5 red cards, resulting in a staggering total of 52 cards distributed across 25 players. This alarming statistic raises concerns about the players’ professionalism, self-control, and the coach’s ability to instill discipline.

A considerable number of these cards were avoidable, stemming from reckless challenges, moments of petulance, and a lack of composure under pressure. Such behavior reflects poorly on the team’s discipline and undermines the hard work put into achieving victories.

The Need for Immediate Action

Ghalenoei faces a pressing challenge to address this persistent issue. Discipline on the pitch is not merely a matter of avoiding cards; it is about setting a professional standard that ensures players remain focused and composed, especially during high-stakes matches.

Failure to tackle this problem could have severe consequences for Team Melli, including:

  1. Player Suspensions
    Accumulated cards and unnecessary red cards lead to key players being unavailable for critical matches, potentially affecting results.
  2. Team Reputation
    Poor discipline tarnishes the image of Team Melli, portraying them as unprofessional and prone to unnecessary confrontations.
  3. Lost Opportunities
    Matches can be lost or momentum disrupted due to players being sent off or suspended, a luxury no team can afford in competitive tournaments.

The Path Forward

To cement his legacy as one of Team Melli’s successful coaches, Ghalenoei must prioritize instilling discipline within the squad. Here are some steps that can help address the issue:

  1. Focused Training
    Conduct workshops and sessions emphasizing professionalism, self-control, and the consequences of reckless behavior on the pitch.
  2. Tactical Adjustments
    Address defensive lapses or tactical setups that leave players vulnerable to fouls, reducing the need for desperate challenges.
  3. Accountability Measures
    Implement strict accountability for unnecessary cards, ensuring players understand the impact of their actions on the team.
  4. Psychological Support
    Provide players with access to sports psychologists to help manage pressure, frustration, and impulsive behavior during matches.

Conclusion

Amir Ghalenoei’s tenure as Team Melli’s head coach has been largely successful, but the disciplinary issues facing the team are a glaring weakness that cannot be ignored. By addressing these challenges, Ghalenoei has the opportunity to lead Iran to even greater heights, ensuring that their on-pitch brilliance is not overshadowed by moments of indiscipline. The responsibility lies with him to instill a culture of professionalism and control, safeguarding the team’s success in the long run.

The full disciplinary records :

Here’s the data formatted as a clean, structured table:

PlayerYellow CardsRed Cards
Ansarifard10
Asadi20
Azmoun10
Beiranvand30
Cheshmi20
Daneshgar10
Ezatolahi20
Fallah10
Ghaedi10
Ghoddos20
Hajsafi20
Hardani11
Hosseini10
Jahanbakhsh20
Kanani-Zadegan81
Karimi10
Khalilzadeh32
Moghanlou10
Mohammadi10
Moharrami10
Mohebbi10
Pouraligangi10
Rezaeian30
Taremi41
Yousefi10
Total475

RED CARDS
Shoja’a KHALILZADEH ; 2024-11-01 vs. Korea DPR
Saleh HARDANI; 2024-10-10 vs Uzbekistan
Shoja’a KHALILZADEH ; 2024-02-07 vs. Qatar
Mehdi TAREMI ; 2024-01-31 vs. Syria
Hossein KANANI-ZADEGAN; 2023-06-20 vs. Uzbekistan

YELLOW CARDS

PlayerLastNameDateOpponent
YOUSEFI2024-11-01Korea DPR
AZMOUN2024-10-15Qatar
MOHEBI2024-10-15Qatar
GHAEDI2024-10-15Qatar
GHODDOS2024-10-10Uzbekistan
BEIRANVAND2024-09-10UAE
GHODDOS2024-09-10UAE
JAHANBAKHSH2024-09-10UAE
MOHAMMADI2024-09-10UAE
KANANI-ZADEGAN2024-09-10UAE
HARDANI2024-06-11Uzbekistan
JAHANBAKHSH2024-06-06Hong Kong
REZAEIAN2024-03-26Turkmenistan
KANANI-ZADEGAN2024-03-26Turkmenistan
FALLAH2024-03-21Turkmenistan
HAJSAFI2024-02-07Qatar
TAREMI2024-01-31Syria
KHALILZADEH2024-01-31Syria
TAREMI2024-01-31Syria
EZATOLAHI2024-01-31Syria
BEIRANVAND2024-01-31Syria
KANANI-ZADEGAN2024-01-23UAE
MOHARRAMI2024-01-23UAE
KANANI-ZADEGAN2024-01-14Palestine
HAJSAFI2024-01-05Burkina Faso
ANSARIFARD2024-01-05Burkina Faso
KARIMI2023-11-21Uzbekistan
KANANI-ZADEGAN2023-11-21Uzbekistan
KHALILZADEH2023-11-16Hong Kong
EZATOLAHI2023-10-17Qatar
BEIRANVAND2023-10-17Qatar
KHALILZADEH2023-10-13Jordan
KANANI-ZADEGAN2023-10-13Jordan
DANESHGAR2023-09-07Bulgaria
MOGHANLOU2023-09-07Bulgaria
POURALIGANJI2023-09-07Bulgaria
TAREMI2023-06-20Uzbekistan
REZAEIAN2023-06-20Uzbekistan
KANANI-ZADEGAN2023-06-20Uzbekistan
KANANI-ZADEGAN2023-06-20Uzbekistan
CHESHMI2023-06-16Kyrgyzstan
REZAEIAN2023-06-16Kyrgyzstan
KANANI-ZADEGAN2023-06-20 Uzbekistan
KANANI-ZADEGAN2023-06-20 Uzbekistan
TAREMI2023-06-20 Uzbekistan
CHESHMI 2023-06-16Kyrgyzstan
REZAEIAN2023-06-16Kyrgyzstan
HOSSEINI2023-06-16Afghanistan
ASADI2023-06-16Afghanistan
CHESHMI2023-03-28Kenya
ASADI2023-03-28Kenya
TAREMI2023-03-23Russia

The Tale of Two Halves: Team Melli’s Victory Over North Korea

Team Melli triumphed over North Korea on Thursday, solidifying its position at the top of the group. With this 3-2 win, the Iranian team opened a three-point lead over Uzbekistan and a six-point cushion over third-place UAE. However, the victory was a tale of two contrasting halves—one showcasing Team Melli’s dominance and another marred by a collapse in discipline and defensive frailty.

A Dominant First Half

Despite the challenges posed by a rough and uneven pitch, Team Melli began with a commanding display. Within the first ten minutes, Iran launched six attempts on goal, keeping the North Koreans on the back foot. Mehdi Ghayedi opened the scoring, and Mohammad Mohebbi added two more goals, assisted brilliantly by Mehdi Taremi, who seemed unstoppable. By halftime, Iran held a comfortable 3-0 lead, and fans expected more of the same in the second half.

Second-Half Collapse: A Familiar Story

The second half painted a different picture as Iran’s perennial struggle with discipline and defensive coordination resurfaced. The self-inflicted wounds began early, leading to a near-collapse that could have cost them the match.

Shojaa Khalilzadeh’s Red Card
Shojaa Khalilzadeh, the oldest player in the squad at nearly 35, proved to be a liability. His lack of pace was exposed once again, reminiscent of his costly foul against Qatar’s Akram Afif in the 2019 Asian Cup semifinal. Against North Korea, Khalilzadeh’s inability to keep up with a faster opponent resulted in another red card. This selection error raised serious questions about head coach Amir Ghalenoei’s tactical analysis. Despite claims of thorough preparation, the coaching staff failed to anticipate the Koreans’ speed and agility, leaving the Iranian defense vulnerable.

Taremi’s Nightmare Half
While Taremi shone in the first half with three assists, his second half was disastrous. It began with an own goal, as he deflected the ball into Iran’s net from an ill-advised position. Minutes later, Sardar Azmoun’s botched clearance ricocheted off a Korean forward, leading to North Korea’s second goal. Adding to the defensive woes, Mohammad Hossein Kananizadegan’s error—failing to clear a simple ball—further destabilized the backline.

At 3-2, the threat of a North Korean equalizer loomed large with half an hour to go and one man down. The Koreans pressed relentlessly, hitting the woodwork twice and missing numerous chances. Iran’s fragile defense was exposed repeatedly, leaving fans on edge.

Penalty Drama
Iran was awarded a penalty after a VAR review, offering a chance to regain control. Azmoun, not known for his penalty-taking prowess, handed the responsibility to Taremi. However, Taremi’s weak attempt was easily saved, capping off his miserable second half.

What Did We Learn?

The match underscored familiar issues with Team Melli. While they are capable of brilliance, moments of indiscipline and defensive lapses continue to plague the team. Ghalenoei faces significant challenges in addressing these weaknesses:

  1. Defensive Fragility
    The defense’s inability to handle pacey opponents remains a glaring issue. Khalilzadeh’s inclusion despite his age and lack of speed highlights the need for better player selection and tactical adjustments.
  2. Midfield Shortcomings
    Iran’s midfield lacks cohesion and fails to bridge the gap between attack and defense. This imbalance often leaves the defense exposed and contributes to second-half collapses.
  3. Player Discipline
    Taremi’s erratic performance and Azmoun’s unconvincing display emphasize the need for psychological coaching and tactical discipline, especially in high-pressure moments.

Moving Forward

While Team Melli managed to secure a victory, the match exposed vulnerabilities that could be exploited by stronger teams. Ghalenoei must instill discipline and address defensive frailties if Iran hopes to succeed against tougher opponents. Additionally, players like Taremi and Azmoun need to be more consistent and composed to avoid costly errors.

As for Taremi, his performance against North Korea was a mixed bag. While his first-half brilliance was crucial to Iran’s lead, his second-half errors could have undone all the good work. Counseling and support may help him regain confidence, especially with high expectations from both fans and his club, Inter Milan.

In the end, Team Melli survived a scare and held on to their lead. However, this match serves as a reminder of the need for better preparation, discipline, and adaptability to sustain success on the international stage.

Iran Edges Out North Korea 3-2 in World Cup Qualifier

In a thrilling showdown on November 14, Iran defeated North Korea 3-2 in their fifth Group A match of the third Asian qualifying round for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The match took place at Vientiane’s New National Stadium in Laos.

Iran adopted a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Sardar Azmoun as the lead striker and Mehdi Taremi supporting just behind him. Ehsan Ghaeydi and Sadegh Mohebbi played on the left and right flanks, respectively, while Saeid Ezatollahi and Ali Karimi took on defensive midfield roles. The back line featured Rouzbeh Cheshmi and Shoja Khalilzadeh as central defenders, with Omid Mohammadi and Mohammad Youssefi positioned as left and right fullbacks. Alireza Beiranvand guarded the goal.

North Korea, in a 4-4-2 formation, had forwards Han Kwang-sung and Ri Jo-guk leading their attack. Kang Kook-chul anchored the midfield with support from Choi Joo-sung and Baek Chung-sung on the flanks. The defensive lineup included Kim Beom-hyuk and Choi Ok-chul as fullbacks, with Kim Yu-sung and Jang Kook-chul as central defenders. Kang Joo-hyuk stood as the goalkeeper.

First Half: Iran’s Dominance

Iran dominated the first half, applying consistent pressure that eventually yielded their opening goal. In the 28th minute, Taremi threaded a perfect pass into the box for Ghaeydi, who fired a right-footed shot past the North Korean keeper.

Iran’s offense continued to press, and in the 40th minute, Mohebbi doubled the lead with a powerful strike from the edge of the penalty area. Just before the halftime whistle, Taremi found Mohebbi again, threading a pass behind the North Korean defense. Mohebbi calmly slotted the ball home, putting Iran up 3-0 and completing Taremi’s hat-trick of assists.

Second Half: A Shift in Momentum

A crucial turning point came early in the second half. Iran’s Khalilzadeh was shown a red card in the 50th minute for a last-man foul on a North Korean forward charging towards goal. This forced Iran to play with ten men, and North Korea quickly capitalized on their numerical advantage.

In the 55th minute, a North Korean corner led to a chaotic scramble in Iran’s penalty area, resulting in an own goal by Taremi. Just three minutes later, North Korea’s Kim Yoo-sung took advantage of Iran’s disrupted defense, slotting a shot into the bottom left corner, narrowing Iran’s lead to 3-2.

Iran’s Defensive Stand

Sensing North Korea’s momentum, Iran shifted focus to defend their lead, substituting key attacking players, including Taremi, Azmoun, and Ghaeydi, to stabilize the backline. Despite North Korea’s relentless attempts to equalize, Iran held firm, demonstrating late-game concentration to secure the 3-2 victory.

Group A Standings

With this win, Iran remains at the top of Group A, boasting four wins and one draw (13 points) in five matches in the third qualifying round. North Korea, meanwhile, sits at the bottom of the group, with two draws and three losses (2 points).

North Korea’s last attempy to seek qualifcation.

Vientiane: Iran will face DPR Korea in Group A of the Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26 knowing that victory will almost surely secure their ticket to the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Iran, on 10 points, lead the standings ahead of Uzbekistan on goal difference with both sitting six clear of the United Arab Emirates and Qatar after just four matches. 

Seeking a fourth consecutive appearance at the FIFA World Cup and seventh overall, Iran’s qualification campaign has been serene.

The opening two matchdays saw the Central Asian side registering 1-0 wins over Kyrgyz Republic and UAE, with a tough 0-0 draw with Uzbekistan following.

Iran, however, were at their scorching best against Qatar on Matchday Four as they cruised to an emphatic 4-1 win and with their key players all available, they will fancy their chances against DPR Korea in the neutral venue of Vientiane.

“We are well aware that we have a tough game. The Korean team has a strong defense. They also work very well and quickly in attacks. In this game, we have to go to the field with more focus and responsibility than in the previous matches. We got a good result in the last two games, but those two matches are history now,” Ghalenoei said.

The Team Melli coach says that the match against North Korea and Kyrgyzstan are “the most important” matches of the national team.

“We must play with high concentration from the first minute to the 90th minute. We have analyzed North Korea and we know how strong they are. Even in the match against Uzbekistan, where they lost, or in the match against the UAE, where they shared the spoils, they could have won the match, so we must face this opponent with full attention,” he added.

Asked his is there any challenge ahead of Iran football team against the Korean team, Ghalenoei said, “Fortunately, we don’t have any special challenge ahead of us and the players are ready to play. I have to thank the Iran Football Federation, because we traveled to Laos by direct flight, otherwise it would endure a 30-hour trip.

 However, the truth of the game is when the referee blows the whistle to start the game, and I hope that the players of the national team will start and finish their work in this match with the same concentration they had in the game against Qatar and use the opportunities effectively.

In response to the question about the history of matches between two teams, North Korea have always been a difficult opponent, Ghalenoei said, “Football in Asia has progressed and you can see this in the World Cup qualifiers. North Korea have also shown that they are a good team with a plan, and their past results prove this. The matches against North Korea and Kyrgyzstan are our most important matches and we want to do our best to secure our berth in the World Cup.”.

While DPR Korea still have a mathematical chance of securing one of the two top spots which will guarantee automatic qualification, they will need to win their remaining matches and hope other results go in their favour.

With just two points on the board, victory is a must against Iran and DPR Korea can be expected to produce their best as they strive to keep their campaign alive. 

DPR Korea v IR Iran

Venue: Lao National Stadium KM16 (Vientiane)

Kick-off: Thursday, 19:00 (UTC+7)

Analyzing Ghalenoei’s Tactics for Team Melli’s Success

Team Melli’s Commanding Position in World Cup Qualifiers

Iran’s national football team, Team Melli, currently sits at the top of Group A in the FIFA World Cup 2026 third-round qualifiers, with 10 points from 4 matches. While Uzbekistan also holds 10 points, Iran maintains an edge through superior goal difference. The upcoming match against North Korea is crucial in solidifying Iran’s lead in the group and moving closer to securing a spot in the Canada/Mexico/USA World Cup. This fixture marks the end of the first round of qualifiers, with each team poised to complete their initial schedule before starting the return leg just five days later.

While five matches remain, a victory against North Korea, coupled with a Qatar defeat by Uzbekistan and a UAE loss to Kyrgyzstan, would put Team Melli in a strong qualifying position. An anticipated win over Kyrgyzstan in Bishkek would provide even greater confidence as Iran heads into a break, with qualifiers resuming next year.

Beyond qualifying mathematics, Team Melli’s recent performance against Qatar marked a turning point. Their impressive 4-1 win against the AFC Asian Cup champions showed a surge in form after three prior matches saw only two goals scored in total. Against Qatar, Team Melli displayed tactical sharpness, capitalizing on both skill and strategy. Now, Iran aims to replicate that cohesive performance against North Korea, who have historically posed a physical and tenacious challenge.

Ghalenoei’s Strategy and Selections: A Consistent Approach

Much debate surrounds Head Coach Amir Ghalenoei’s tactics and player selections, but it appears he is committed to his game plan. Ghalenoei, who values stability and consistency, continues to rely on a familiar roster and strategy. While he has faced criticism, he maintains that as long as results meet the team’s objectives, Team Melli should be exempt from critique. This strategy, though conservative, has proven effective, as evidenced by Iran’s undefeated standing so far.

In Vientiane, Ghalenoei is expected to retain much of the lineup that excelled against Qatar. The defense held firm, save for a single lapse that led to a conceded goal, and successfully contained two of Asia’s top forwards, Akram Afif and AlMoez Ali. In attack, Sardar Azmoun delivered a standout performance, while Mohammad Mohebbi filled Mehdi Taremi’s typically prolific role, showcasing his ability to step up under pressure.

However, Iran’s midfield continues to present challenges. Lacking creative playmaking and efficient distribution to the forward line, this area remains a potential vulnerability. Despite a more assured defensive role, the midfield has struggled to effectively support the attack. Hopes are high that Alireza Jahanbakhsh will remain on the bench in favor of a trio of Mohammad Karimi, Saman Ghoddos, and Saeid Ezatollahi in the center, with Ali Gholizadeh adding an offensive edge from the wing. This combination may provide the balance and dynamism Iran needs to unlock North Korea’s compact defense.

PLAYERS PERFORMANCE


Facing North Korea: Physicality and Discipline

North Korea, known for its tenacity and physical style, has had a mixed record in this qualifier stage. While their defense remains tightly organized, a lack of clinical finishing has hampered their results. Despite these limitations, they are a resilient side that has given Iran tough matches in the past, rarely backing down from challenges and often engaging in a physical style of play.

To succeed, Team Melli must avoid unnecessary physical confrontations, maintain composure, and remain disciplined—especially with a view to avoiding yellow and red cards that could weaken the squad in critical moments. Staying focused and maintaining an 11-man team on the field will be essential to handling North Korea’s aggressive tactics.

This encounter will be pivotal not only for Team Melli’s qualifying aspirations but also for maintaining their momentum and confidence as they progress in the World Cup qualifiers. With an opportunity to lock in a commanding lead, Iran heads into this clash with determination and focus, aiming to take a definitive step toward the 2026 World Cup.