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Team Melli, is one win away from qualifying for World Cup 2026 – Round 3 preliminaries.

Team Melli needs to repeat its victory against Turkmenistan next Tuesday in Asghabad, to clinch a place in the third round stages of FIFA World Cup 2026 – AFC zone.

#TeamPWDLGFGAGDPTS
1IRAN3210112+97
2UZBEKISTAN321073+47
3HONG KONG301228-61
4TURKMENISTAN3012310-71
FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers- AFC ZONE Round 2 -Group E

Iran plus seven other teams will advance to the Round Three of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers if they win the next game in Day 4 to be played next Tuesday. With seven points and a better goal difference than Uzbekistan, Iran is topping the group. Other teams include Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Uzbekistan, Japan, Australia, and the UAE are the eight teams that are certain to advance.

Iran will face Turkmenistan on Tuesday 26th at Asghhabat

Taremi: “Iran’s infrastructure deficiency a hurdle to lifting titles”

Iran’s national football team, represented by Mehdi Taremi, the esteemed striker, voiced poignant reflections following their commanding 5-0 triumph over Turkmenistan. Taremi remarked, “We’ve lacked the necessary infrastructure to ascend to championship levels. Iranian football appears to be regressing.”

In the aftermath of their resounding victory, Taremi elaborated on the match’s dynamics, stating, “It was a highly satisfying game. Our performance reflected our ability to create numerous goal-scoring opportunities throughout both halves. We could have easily netted more goals, underscoring our determination to delight our fans.”
Expressing gratitude to the fervent supporters at Azadi Stadium, he added, “The unwavering support from our fans served as a driving force, spurring us to elevate our game.”

Responding to expectations regarding World Cup qualification and progression from the group stages, Taremi adopted a pragmatic outlook, remarking, “In football, especially at this level, nothing is guaranteed. The influx of new players adds complexity to our preparations, presenting formidable challenges. Qualification is a step-by-step process, and our focus remains on delivering our best performances in each game.”

Assuming the role of captain against Turkmenistan, Taremi underscored the team’s collective journey, stating, “We’re a cohesive unit, having embarked on this journey with Team Melli together. As elder statesmen within the team, we aim to foster unity and success, striving to bring joy to our supporters.”

Addressing the inclusion of young talents in the national squad, Taremi acknowledged the inevitable learning curve, noting, “Our young players possess immense potential, albeit with some inconsistencies in training, which is normal. The coaching staff meticulously selects players based on their capabilities, recognizing their potential contributions.”

Reflecting on past disappointments, particularly the AFC Asian Cup 2023 semi-final loss to Qatar, Taremi emphasized a forward-looking mentality, asserting, “I prefer not to dwell on past setbacks. Our focus is solely on upcoming challenges and striving for continuous improvement.”

Expressing gratitude for the robust fan turnout despite adverse weather conditions, Taremi acknowledged the competitive landscape in football, stating, “Today’s matches in the qualifying rounds of FIFA World Cup in Asia, demonstrated the unpredictability of football, even against perceived weaker opponents. We must consistently give our best effort, recognizing the evolving nature of the sport.”

Regarding facilities and support for Iranian football, Taremi highlighted existing shortcomings, stating, “Our facilities have not been conducive to achieving championship glory, contributing to lowered expectations. Sustainable success necessitates more than passion and resilience; it requires structured development, financial backing, and effective administration. We possess the potential; now, we require comprehensive solutions to propel Iranian football to greater heights.”

Team Melli puts five past Turkmenistan

Team Melli, showcased an exceptional performance as they triumphed 5-0 over Turkmenistan in the thrilling encounter at Azadi Stadium in Tehran, marking the third round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers within Group E.

Led by the proficient officiating of Japan’s Yusuke Araki, the match unfolded with Iran’s dominance evident from the onset. Ranked 20th globally, Iran swiftly asserted their superiority over Turkmenistan, solidifying their leading position in the group.

The scoring spree commenced in the 10th minute, orchestrated by Mohammad Hossein Kananizadegan, who soared high to connect with Saleh Hardani’s precise cross, netting Iran’s opening goal. Sardar Azmoun, demonstrating exceptional composure, extended the lead merely three minutes later, capitalizing on Taremi’s adept pass to find the back of the net past Turkmenistan’s custodian, Rustem Ahallyýew.

Although Iran maintained control throughout the match, the intensity of their attacks waned as the first half progressed, with the scoreline freezing at 2-0 in favor of Iran by halftime. The departure of Sardar Azmoun due to injury at the cusp of halftime saw Omid Nourafkan take the field in the second half, bringing fresh energy to Iran’s offensive maneuvers.

Resuming the onslaught in the second half, Hossein Kananizadegan showcased his prowess once more, securing his brace and Iran’s third goal with a determined finish amidst the chaos in Turkmenistan’s penalty area. The relentless pressure continued as Taremi assisted Mohebbi in the 56th minute, further widening the goal margin to 4-0 in Iran’s favor.

In the dying embers of the match, substitute Omid Nourafkan seized the moment, unleashing a stunning strike from outside the box, clinching Iran’s fifth goal. Despite Nourafkan’s earlier attempts being thwarted by Turkmenistan’s resilient goalkeeper, Rustem Ahallyýew, his perseverance ultimately paid off in a spectacular fashion.

Moreover, the match witnessed the promising debut of two young talents, Amin Hizbavi, who featured in the starting lineup, and Mohammad Reza Azadi, who made a notable impact coming off the bench. Additionally, the return of Sayyadmanesh and Saleh Hardani added depth and energy to Iran’s squad, further enhancing their formidable stature on the international stage.

Iran now leads the group and will play Turkmenistan away next.

Team Melli – Latest News

The Training sessions of Team Melli continued on Tuesday in preparation for the Thursday match versus Turkmenistan in Azadi Stadium.

First Casulaity

Payam Naiazmand, one of Team Melli’s four goalkeepers, has pulled out from the training camp and will miss both matches against Turkmenistan.

The Sepahan keeper has suffered an injury and will not be part of the team traveling to Ashgabat for the return leg.

FULL COMPLIMENT OF PLAYERS

Meanwhile, all the legionnaires called for the squad have arrived and started the training with their domestic league teammates on Tuesday.

A SPECIAL GUEST

Edgar Davids, the former Netherlands player. was the guest of honor in the Training of Team Melli.

In this training, “Edgar Davids: the former player of the Dutch national team, Juventus and Barcelona teams, while attending Team Melli’s camp, met and talked to Amir Ghalenoei and the players. Davids, in the presence of the national team players, shared his experiences in playing in the important world football tournaments, calling the achievement of honor for the people of the country the most important issue for the national players. Addressing the players, Davids said, ” I always follow your games.” He concluded by saying ” Achieve something in football that not only makes your family and parents happy but also the people of your country to be proud of you.

THE LIST CATEGORIZATION

NEW CALLOUTS
Amin Hizbavi: (20 yrs) DF – Born in Ahvaz on 6th May 2003 Club|: Al Sadd -Qatar
One of the most promising defenders of Iran. his physique, aerial ability, and tough tackling make him a defender with a bright future. Has already captained the U20 team.

  1. Arsha Shakouri (17 yrs) GK – Esteghlal Tehran – Born: 1-Oct-2006 in Tehran
  2. Hossein Goudarzi – (22 yrs) DF – Shams Azar – Born: 3 May 2001 in Boroujard
  3. Javad Aghaeipour – (24 yrs) FW- Esteghlal Khuzestan – Born : 6 Dec 1999 in Rasht
  4. Mohammad Ghorbani, (22 yrs) MF – Orenburg Born: 21 May 2001 in Arak
  5. Mehdi Limuchi : (25 yrs) FW Aluminium Arak – Born: 23 Nov 1999 in Kazeroon
  6. Mohammad Reza Azadi : (24 yrs) FW- Nassaji Mazandaran- Born: 7 Dec 1999 in Tabriz
  7. Saeed Saharkhizan – (20 yrs) FW- Gol Gohar Sirjan FC – Born: 26 Jun 2003 in Ardabil

RECALL

  1. Saleh Hardani
  2. Saman Fallah
  3. Abolfazl Jalali
  4. Omid Nourafkan
  5. Allhayar Sayyadmanesh

DROPPED

  1. Reza ASADI
  2. Shahriyar MOGHANLOU
  3. Omid EBRAHIMI
  4. Ehsan HAJSAFI
  5. Karim ANSARIFARD
  6. Rouzbeh CHESHMI
  7. Mohammad KARIMI
  8. Mohammad DANESHGAR
  9. Morteza POURALIGANJI
  10. 10- Ali Karimi

INJURY LIST

  1. Arya YOUSEFI
  2. Sadegh MOHARRAMI
  3. Majid HOSSEINI
  4. Mohammed Javad Hosseinnejad

Evolving Perspectives: Amir Ghalanoei’s Squad Selection and Team Melli’s Future

Amir Ghalanoei, under significant public and media scrutiny, has made a pivotal decision by introducing eight new players to the squad facing Turkmenistan in Azadi, a crucial step in the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers. The inclusion of these fresh faces reflects a notable shift in response to public demands for younger talents in Team Melli, along with a strategic move to diversify player selections from various league clubs, breaking the monopoly of the dominant three clubs, ESteghlal, Persepolis, and Sepahan.

Acknowledging the coach’s results-driven approach, it’s evident that Ghalenoei prioritizes experience to secure victories, a sentiment shared by many Iranian coaches. However, this strategy raises concerns about nurturing young talents within Team Melli, a responsibility Ghalenoei emphasizes falls on the shoulders of clubs due to their limited resources and focus on immediate results. Such a situation is tricky, creating a challenging cycle for the national team.

Despite the infusion of new talent, expectations for significant changes in the starting lineup remain low, reflecting Ghaleneoi’s conservative coaching style and reluctance to embrace change or take risks. This conservatism is evident in the retention of senior players like the 36-year-old central defender Shoja’a Khalilzadeh and the persistent presence of underperforming players in key posts like Saeed Ezatollahi highlighting a reluctance to explore alternative options.

In midfield, the absence of versatile midfielder Rouzbeh Chesmi raises eyebrows, given his abilities and impactful contributions to Esteghlal. Chesmi’s wonder goal in the league a few weeks back, would have surely guaranteed him a place in the 29 players list, but it was not to be. Meanwhile, players like Ghoddos and Jahanbaksh, despite club-level challenges, maintain their spots in the starting lineup, showcasing Ghalenoei’s trust in their abilities and potential impact.

Looking ahead to the offensive line, Azmoun and Taremi are expected to lead the charge, despite challenges faced by Azmoun in securing regular playing time. Taremi is experiencing his worst season in |Portugal, but his starting lineup is virtually assured. This reliance on established players underscores the persistent reliance on familiar faces within Team Melli.

While the additions to the roster are promising, doubts linger about Ghalenoei’s commitment to rejuvenating Team Melli, with skeptics suggesting that these changes might be superficial rather than substantive. However, the upcoming match against Turkmenistan presents an opportunity for Team Melli to demonstrate their quality on the field and secure a convincing victory, potentially silencing critics and satisfying fans’ expectations.

In conclusion, Ghalenoei’s squad selection reflects a delicate balance between experience and rejuvenation, highlighting ongoing challenges in nurturing young talents and embracing change within Team Melli. The upcoming match serves as a litmus test for both the coach’s strategic decisions and the team’s performance, offering insights into Team Melli’s trajectory in the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers.

New players called to Team Melli

AMIN HIZBAVI

One of the most promising defenders of Iran. his physique, aerial ability, and tough tackling make him a defender with a bright future. Has already captained the U20 team.

POST: DF
AGE: 20 years
BORN: Ahvaz on 6th May 2003
Club|: Al Sadd -Qatar

arsha shakouri

Iran’s U17 keeper made his name in the FIFA U17 World Cup with some solid work. This is his first senior call however, with some stiff competition, he is one candidate for being out of the final list

POST: GK
AGE: 17 years
BORN: Tehran on 1st October 2006
Club: Esteghlal Tehran

Hossein Goudarzi

He was one of the fixed players of the Omid national team in the West Asia U23 Tournament, AFC Under-23 Championship qualifiers, and the Hangzhou Asian Games.

Playing with Shams Azar, he managed to score against Persepolis and Esteghlal in the league competetion.

POST: DF
AGE: 22 years
BORN: Broujard on 3rd May 2001
Club: Shams Azar

javad agaheipour

One of the most promising Started his senior career in his hometown of Rasht with Sepidroud before ending up in Ahvaz with Esteghlal. He has never played for Iran at the international level and this is his first-ever call to Team Melli

POST: FW
AGE: 24 years
BORN: Rasht on 6th December 1999
Club: Esteghlal Khuzestan

Mohammad Ghorbani

This young defensive midfielder has just transferred to the Russian League club Orenburg from Sepahan where he was building a good reputation,

POST: MF
AGE: 22 years
BORN: Arak on 21st May 2001
Club: Orenburg – Russia

mehdi limouchi

The 23-year-old attacker Limuchi played in Peykan. Ghashghaei Shiraz and Foolad Khuzestan. He is also a member of the Omid team

POST: FW
AGE: 23 years
BORN: Kazeroon on 23rd November 1999
Club: Aluminium Arak

mohammadreza azadi

He scored 6 goals in his 11 games for the Omid team from 2016 to 2021. He played for the Greek club Panetolikos F.C. in the 2020/21 season.

Currently with Nassiji, this is his first call-up to Team Melli’s senior side.

POST: FW
AGE: 24 years
BORN: Tabriz on 7th December 1999
Club: Nassaji Mazandaran

Saeed Saharkhizan

He scored 6 goals in his 11 games for the Omid team from 2016 to 2021. He played for the Greek club Panetolikos F.C. in the 2020/21 season.

Currently with Nassiji, this is his first call-up to Team Melli’s senior side.

POST: FW
AGE: 20 years
BORN:  Ardabil on 26th June 2003
Club: Gol Gohar Sirjan

Squad announced for Turkmenistan matches.

Iran’s national football team will face Turkmenistan in the preliminary stage of the World Cup on 21st March in Tehran’s Azadi Stadium. This match will be held at 19:30. Iran’s national football team will play the first leg against Turkmenistan on the 21st and then will travel to play away in Turkmenistan on March 26th

Iran is in Group E of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers along with Uzbekistan, Hong Kong, and Turkmenistan. The names of the players invited to the squad for this match were announced by head coach Amir Ghalenoei as follows:

Goalkeepers:

Alireza Beiranvand, Payam Niazmand, Seyed Hossein Hosseini, Aria Shakouri

Defenders:

Shoja Khalilzadeh, Hossein Kanaanizadegan, Amin Hizbavi, Saman Fallah, Ramin Rezaeian, Saleh Hardani, Milad Mohammadi, Abolfazl Jalali, Hossein Goudarzi

Midfielders:

Omid Nourafkan, Saman Ghoddos Saeed Ezzatollahi, Mohammad Ghorbani, Ali Gholizadeh, Allhayar Sayyadmanesh, Mehdi Limuchi, Mehdi Torabi, Alireza Jahanbakhsh

Forwards:

Mehdi Taremi, Javad Aghaeipour, Sardar Azmoun, Mohammad Reza Azadi , Saeed Saharkhizan , Mohammad Mohebi, Mehdi Ghaeydi,

Iran v Turkmenistan: Head2Head

Team Melli is gearing up to face Turkmenistan on Thursday, coinciding with Nowrooz, in the second round of FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers. The objective is clear: to fortify their position atop Group E and secure an early ticket to the third round of qualifiers.

On paper, Iran’s football prowess dwarfs that of Turkmenistan’s. The FIFA rankings and various metrics underline Iran’s superiority over its northeastern counterpart. However, when it comes to on-field clashes, Turkmenistan proves to be a formidable opponent for Team Melli.

Out of the eight encounters between the two teams, Iran has managed to clinch victory only thrice while suffering defeat twice. Notably, these matches have seldom seen significant score gaps, indicating the competitive edge that Turkmenistan brings to the field.

Turkmenistan’s enigmatic status as one of the world’s most secretive nations, governed by an autocratic leader fond of ostentatious displays, adds an aura of intimidation. This could partially explain Iran’s relatively modest performances on Turkmen soil, although such factors hold no sway in matches played on neutral or Iranian turf.

Despite Turkmenistan’s underwhelming performance, and failing to qualify for the AFC Asian Cup 2023 in Qatar, they remain a puzzle for Team Melli. Their inability to dominate a lower-ranked opponent raises questions, especially considering Iran’s football pedigree.

FIFA WORLD CUP 2026
AFC ZONE QUALIFIERS – SECOND ROUND
GROUP E

#TeamMPWDLFADP
1Iran211062+44
2Uzbekistan211053+24
3Turkmenistan201135-21
4Hong Kong, China201126-41

As the upcoming match unfolds at the Azadi Stadium, Team Melli stands as the undeniable favorite, despite the disappointment of their defeat in the AFC Asian Cup semi-finals against Qatar. With the home advantage and a thirst for redemption, Iran is poised for victory with a comfortable margin. Among those eager to make their mark is Sardar Azmoun, an Iranian Turkmen renowned for his knack of finding the net against Turkmenistan.

In conclusion, while Turkmenistan presents a challenge, Team Melli’s determination and talent are primed to secure a convincing win, propelling them closer to their World Cup aspirations.

FIFA RANKING

TEAMFIFA RankingAFC RankingHighest RankLowest Rank
IRAN20215122
TURKMENISTAN1412686174

Match Data

H / A / NMatchesWDLGoals+ / –
Home43017 – 4+3
Away30212 – 3-1
Nneutral10101 – 1+0
Total833210 – 8+2

List of Matches

DateCompetetionH / A / NscoreStadiumResult Attendance
12.Nov.2015CompetitionH3 – 1Azadi Stadium, TehranW35,800
16.Jun.2015World Cup Qualifier / Round 2 – GROUP DA1 – 1Garaşsyzlyk Stadium , DashoguzD10,000
25.Nov.1996Friendly H0 – 1Azadi Stadium, TehranL15,000
28.Apr.1996Friendly A0 – 1Ashgabat Stadium, AshgabatL30,000
26.Apr1996Friendly A1 – 1Ashgabat Stadium, AshgabatD10,000
05. Oct.1994Asian Games N1 – 1Bingo Athletic Stadium, OnomichiD7,000
14.Jun.1993ACO CupH2 – 1Azadi Stadium, TehranW1,5000
25. Nov.1996ACO CupH2 – 1Azadi Stadium, TehranW15,000

No place for Ahmad Nourollahi in Team Melli, unless…

Title: Amir Ghalenoei’s Firm Stand: Ahmad Nourollahi’s Omission from Team Melli

The AFC Asian Cup 2023 marked the absence of midfielder Ahmad Nourollahi, a notable exclusion from Team Melli’s roster. Despite his recent commendable performances with Al Wehda in the UAE Professional League, Nourollahi found himself sidelined under the helm of coach Amir Ghalenoei.

Nourollahi’s departure from the Team Melli camp during the match against Hong Kong in the preliminary stage of the 2026 World Cup was a breach of discipline that led to his exclusion from Ghalenoei’s final squad. Despite his continued success in the Emirates Club Football League post-Asian Cup, media inquiries persisted regarding his potential reinstatement into Team Melli.

However, Ghalenoei’s response to queries about Nourollahi’s return to the national team was met with a wry smile, indicating that complications still surrounded the midfielder’s potential comeback. The coach’s stance remained steadfast: Nourollahi would only be reconsidered if he publicly and officially apologized to the coaching staff for his actions, demonstrating a commitment to team discipline and cohesion.

Ghalenoei’s unwavering position on Nourollahi’s reinstatement deserves commendation, as it underscores the importance of maintaining discipline within the squad. With enough players already posing potential disciplinary issues, Ghalenoei’s decision serves as a reminder of the standards expected from Team Melli members both on and off the field.

Rejuvenating Team Melli: A Call for New Blood

Amidst the disappointment of Team Melli’s performance at the AFC Asian Cup, one name stands out in the discourse of missed opportunities: Amir Ghalenoei. With ample time to infuse fresh talent into the squad, Ghalenoei opted to rely on the seasoned veterans, a decision that ultimately fell short. As we reflect on the past and look towards the future, it’s imperative to consider the players who should be part of the rejuvenation of Team Melli.

  1. Mohammad Amin Hizbavi (Al Sadd Club): At just 20 years old, Hizbavi’s exclusion from the Asian Cup squad raised eyebrows. His standout performances for Al Sadd caught the attention of many, showcasing his prowess as a defender with remarkable agility and goal-scoring ability.
  2. Mohammad Javad Hosseinnejad (Sepahan): A mature talent at 21, Hosseinnejad brings immense stamina, vision, and exceptional passing skills to the field. Despite his young age, he exhibits the composure and professionalism of a seasoned player, making him a valuable asset for Team Melli.
  3. Yasin Salmani (Persepolis): Once hailed for his immense potential, Salmani’s progress has been hindered by limited opportunities at Persepolis. Nonetheless, his capabilities as an attacking midfielder are undeniable, and with proper guidance, he could reignite his spark on the international stage.
  4. Mohammad Ghorbani (Orenburg): A versatile defensive midfielder, Ghorbani’s recent move to the Russian Premier League signals his potential for growth. At just 22 years old, his adeptness at reading the game and strong tackling make him a promising addition to Team Melli’s roster.
  5. Allahyar Sayyadmanish (Westerlo): Despite setbacks due to injuries and club changes, Sayyadmanish remains a talent to watch. His stint at Hull City showcased glimpses of his capabilities, hinting at the heights he can reach with the right support and guidance. No in the Belgium League, the opportunities for shining are within reach.
  6. Saeid Saharkhizan (Havadar): With attention from critics and big clubs alike, Saharkhizan has emerged as a young talent primed for the spotlight. While overlooked for the Asian Cup, his inclusion in future squads could provide the dynamic edge Team Melli needs.

While Ghalenoei may not be inclined towards a drastic overhaul, the inclusion of these promising talents would signify a step towards revitalizing Team Melli. As critics clamor for change, it’s essential for the coach to heed the call for fresh faces. While immediate starting positions may not be guaranteed, their presence in the squad would signify a nod towards progress and a nod towards the aspirations of Iranian football fans.

Amir Ghalenoei is not the maverick type of a coach, in fact, he is quite conservative and sensitive to any type of criticism. If he wants to shield himself from that, he needs to act quickly as time is against him.

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