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Salar Aghapour

Iran Futsal remains top in Asia.

Iran remained as Asia’s top-ranked team despite falling two spots to sixth in the latest FIFA Men’s Futsal World Ranking.

Iran stumbled in the Round of 16  of the FIFA Futsal World Cup Uzbekistan 2024, losing 4-3 to Morocco.

Thailand – who also exited at  the same stage after going 5-2 down to France – dropped  two rungs to 11th.

Japan, meanwhile, are the third highest Asian side, moving up two spots to 13th.

Uzbekistan, who failed to make it out of the group stage of the World Cup, dropped 10 spots to 21, while Indonesia, ranked 28th, rounded out the top five.

In the women’s rankings, Thailand are Asia’s best ranked team, occupying sixth ahead of Iran, who dropped one position to ninth, while Japan are a spot behind.

Vietnam improved  to 11th, followed by Uzbekistan who moved up six spots to 18th to complete the top five women’s sides in Asia.

Saudi Arabia also made huge strides, improving five spots to 46th.

Click HERE for the complete ranking

Look back at Team Melli’s game plan.

Team Melli played a goal-less draw against Uzbekistan, its main rival in Group A of the third round qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Tashkent.

The match was not crowd-pleasing, with both teams playing ultra-cautiously, focusing on solidifying their defenses to avoid conceding the first goal.

Uzbekistan, even at home and without Head Coach Srečko Katanec on the bench due to illness, was surprisingly tame and lacked adventure. After the dismissal of Hardani, Team Melli seemed to play better, having more ball possession and control of the field. However, it was a low-risk game overall. Iran lacked the desire to play offensively, with the Uzbek defenses tightly compact and not allowing the Iranian forwards much breathing space.

One reason for the lack of effectiveness in Team Melli’s forward line, which is usually its most powerful, is the familiarity of Iran’s forwards amongst the opposing coaches. Having played together for several years, opposing teams can easily analyze and counteract their game plan. Lack of tactical variety in the Iranian game plan makes the opposing job even easier.

Since Amir Ghalenoei took over, it has been evident that Team Melli relies on long balls from the defense to the forwards, bypassing the midfield. This “route one” football is simple but also easily defendable and has a low yield in modern football. This strategy is particularly ineffective for Iran, where forwards like Sardar Azmoun and Mehdi Taremi lack the pace to make it work.

However, with the introduction of Mehdi Ghayedi and Ali Gholizadeh in the second half, the formula changed. Both players have pace and skills, making the long balls to the flanks more effective in feeding the center of attack. Two very good chances were created this way, with Azmoun and Saeid Ezatollahi both having their shots saved by the Uzbek keeper.

Iran still lacks a creative midfielder and playmaker. With Saman Ghoddos suspended for the match against Qatar, it will be interesting to see if Gholizadeh can inject some energy into the game which is a home game but played in Dubai. If Ghalenoei opts for a more cautious defensive approach he will probably start with Milad Noorafkan for a more solid, defensive-minded midfield.

There are still options left in the squad to fill the gap left by Ghoddos’ absence. Alireza Jahanbakhsh, who has experienced a dip in form, and Mohammad Mohebbi, recently recovering from injury, could fill that gap despite both being rusty. If Ghalenoei feels adventurous, Javad Hosseinnejad could be a fitting choice to add the style and finesse that many of the current midfielders lack.

It remains to be seen what Ghalenoi has in mind. He certainly has not stuck to his word about introducing an entertaining Team Melli. Perhaps the circumstances dictate that Iran should tread carefully until the qualification to FIFA World Cup 2026 is assured before the team goes full throttle and play attractive football.

The match against Qatar is on Tuesday 15th October at Rashid Stadium, Dubai.

Rashid Stadium, Dubai will host Iran vs Qatar game.

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has announced that Rashid Stadium in Dubai, UAE, will host Iran’s home match against Qatar on October 15. This match is part of the fourth round of the third stage of the Asian qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup, which will be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

According to the AFC’s official website, the match will kick off at 7:00 pm Doha time. The decision to relocate the match from its original venue, Imam Reza Stadium in Mashhad, Iran, was made due to the current geopolitical situation, necessitating a neutral ground for the fixture.

Dubai, known for its significant Iranian diaspora, offers a familiar environment for Team Melli. The city’s Rashid Stadium, home to Shabab Al-Ahli, where Iranian stars Sardar Azmoun and Saeid Ezatollahi play, is expected to provide a supportive atmosphere for the Iranian team. This relocation not only ensures the safety of the players and fans but also maintains the competitive integrity of the qualifiers.

The match is highly anticipated, as both Iran and Qatar are strong contenders in the Asian qualifiers. Fans from both nations are expected to turn out in large numbers, making it a vibrant and exciting event.

Team Melli landed in Dubai this evening after a flight from Tashkent, via Tehran for re-fueling and then Dubai.

Iran will be without 2 players due to injury, Jalali and Kannani and two due to suspension, Hardani and Saman Ghoddos.

Uzbekistan vs. Iran another draw!

Tashkent: Uzbekistan and Iran settled for a goalless draw in their AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26 Group A tie on Thursday.

The Central Asian derby saw Iran going down to 10 men in the second half following Saleh Hardani’s sending off but there was to be no winner in the evenly-matched contest as the two sides moved up to seven points.

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With the teams having met in the second round of the qualifiers, the match began on a cagey note as they sized each other up with half chances the best either side could manage in the opening 45 minutes. 

Shojae Khalilzadeh had a backwards header that proved to be a routine catch for Utkir Yusupov before Jaloliddin Masharipov’s penalty appeal was waved away by referee Shaun Evans, very little was created with both sides matching up each other well.

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Forward Mehdi Taremi and Eldor Shomurodov, who both play their club football in Italy, had a subdued first half with neither seeing much of the ball. 

The match took a turn in the 57th minute after Evans referred to the pitchside monitor, which led to a straight red card for Hardani for a studs up challenge on Shomurodov.

Uzbekistan seized the opportunity to increase their tempo with two chances just after the hour mark, Abbosbek Fayzullaev dragging his shot just wide before Masharipov ballooned his attempt over the bar after being teed up by Shomurodov.

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Pinned in their own half, Iran were forced to switch to a long ball approach with one such punt forward in the 72nd minute finding Sardar Azmoun who managed to toe poke the ball at goal but Yusupov was alert to the danger.

There was drama in stoppage time when Evans awarded a penalty to Iran after the ball seemed to have struck Rustamjon Ashurmatov’s hand but upon a VAR review, the decision was reversed as the sides shared the spoils.

Uzbekistan will host the United Arab Emirates next on Tuesday while Iran will meet Qatar. 

Iran-Qatar match to be re-located to neutral venue.

According to Mehr news reporter, while it was previously announced that the match between the Iran and Qatar will be held at the Imam Reza Stadium in Mashhad, the Asian Football Confederation ruled, in a letter sent to the FFIRI , that this match should be held in a neutral country.

Ahmad Dunyamali, the Minister of Sports and Youth, said this Wednesday morning on the sidelines of the cabinet meeting: “Given the conditions we had in the last week or two, the AFC decided that this game should be held in a third country.” He continued: “Our proposal was to play the upcoming match against Qatar as a guest instead of as a host, and of course, this matter was subject to the approval of the AFC and the Qatari side.”

The Minister of Sports and Youth emphasized: “There is also a discussion of holding the match in another country, and our first proposal was Uzbekistan, but on the same day of the Iran-Qatar match, Uzbekistan is also hosting the UAE, and it is possible that the Iran-Qatar match will be held in another country, such as the UAE.”

The geopolitical situation seems to dictate the affairs and fears of escalation of hostilities in the Middle East has presented a challenge for the AFC and the host nations.

Ghalenoei “I don’t accept we have defensive weaknesses”

The head coach of Iran’s national football team, Amir Ghalenoei, will be the guest of the Uzbekistan national football team in Tashkent, with the match set to kick off at 5:30 p.m. tomorrow (Thursday). This will be the third match for both teams in the final qualifying stage of the 2026 World Cup.

During a pre-match press conference today (Wednesday), Ghalenoei expressed his pleasure at being in Uzbekistan once again. He extended his best wishes to Mr. Katanec, the head coach of the Uzbekistan team, for a speedy recovery from his recent ailment, hoping that his health issues will be resolved soon. Addressing the critics who believed Iran was placed in an easy group, Ghalenoei emphasized, “Tomorrow is a very difficult game for both teams. First of all, I hope to see a game that the fans will enjoy. We know that Uzbekistan is hardworking and plays with a football plan, but we are also Iran and we are near an ideal conditions.”

Ghalenoei highlighted the competitive nature of their group, noting that both teams have accumulated 6 points, which underscores the tough schedule they face. “This is a tough group, but some people thought we have an easy group. Two teams have got maximum points. I don’t want to talk about my tactical plans,” he said. He continued by urging his players to capitalize on the opportunities they create, referencing past matches against Kyrgyzstan and the UAE where they had chances to score more goals but were careless. “We will not allow such carelessness tomorrow. Both teams have positions, but the successful team is the one that has the necessary focus and uses its tactical tasks.”

In response to a question about the venue of Iran’s game against Qatar, Ghalenoei redirected the focus to the upcoming match against Uzbekistan. “I hope that only the question about the game against Uzbekistan will be asked and let you be our focus for tomorrow’s game. The great country of Iran is one of the best countries in the world and Iran is also one of the safest countries in the world,” he stated. He also mentioned that several elite Asian competitions have been held in Iran without incident, and they traveled to Tashkent from Tehran without any issues. “Let’s talk about the venue of the match with Qatar later and now focus on tomorrow’s game.”

Addressing concerns about Iran’s defensive vulnerabilities, Ghalenoei firmly disagreed with the notion of a defensive weakness. “If you pay attention, we kept a clean sheet in the last two games, unlike other teams, so I don’t accept your question. We are the only team in this group that has not conceded a goal. We had a clean sheet in the previous game against Uzbekistan. So we are working well in the defensive structure. Uzbekistan also has good players in the attack line, but we have a plan for them.”

Ghalenoei acknowledged the unpredictable nature of football, stating, “It’s football and a thousand things happen, but our team is ready to play in every way and we are waiting for a good game to get three points, but the result is in God’s hands. It is not right to speculate in football.” He responded to the Uzbeks’ defiant chanting by emphasizing that football is about effort and making the audience enjoy the game, with the result being a separate matter.

He concluded by expressing his happiness about the formation of the CAFA association, predicting that its member countries will become a significant force in Asian football. “Several teams reached the final stages of the AFC Asian Cup 2023. We are happy that we took part in the first CAFA Nations Cup and won the championship title, and we also beat Uzbekistan and kept a clean sheet,” he added.

Uzbekistan vs Iran: AFC Asian Qualifiers Showdown

Tashkent: Uzbekistan will aim to get it right when they host Iran in Group A of the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to FIFA World Cup 26 on Thursday.

Both teams are tied on six points after opening their campaigns with two wins, with Uzbekistan leading the standings on goal difference.

Srecko Katanec’s Uzbekistan will be determined to avoid a slow start, having had to come from behind to force a 2-2 draw the last time the two teams met in Tashkent in the the Preliminary Joint Qualification – Round 2 for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™.

The reverse fixture ended in a goalless draw with Iran going on to top the group but Uzbekistan, seeking to qualify for the FIFA World Cup for the first time, will be determined to maximise home ground advantage this time around.

Their opening wins mean both have a three-point lead over the United Arab Emirates and another three points on Thursday will be a tremendous boost to their qualification hopes – with the top two sides to earn automatic qualification to the FIFA World Cup 2026 to be co-hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States.

Katanec has named a strong squad for the matches against Iran and UAE, which follows on Tuesday, and Uzbekistan will know that they will be well on course to book their ticket to the global showpiece if they take all six points.

Iran, however, will have similar designs as they seek a fourth consecutive appearance at the FIFA World Cup.

While not at their free-flowing best against Kyrgyz Republic and UAE, the Central Asian side secured 1-0 wins and will be focused on winning, rather than performance, against Uzbekistan and Qatar, their Matchday Four opponents.

Amir Ghalenoei has named an impressive looking squad, with the likes of Mehdi Taremi and Sardar Azmoun to lead their attack.

Taremi has been making regular appearances for Italian side Inter Milan while Azmoun has settled in well at the UAE Pro League side Shabab Al-Ahli Dubai, with the striker already on five goals five matches into the season.

Uzbekistan v IR Iran

Venue: Bunyodkor Stadium, Tashkent

Kick-off: Thursday, 19:00 (UTC+5)

Amir Ghalenoei Announces Team Melli Squad for FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers

Amir Ghalenoei has announced Team Melli’s squad for the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers, with an away match against Uzbekistan and a home game against Qatar. Alongside familiar names, Ghalenoei has introduced two new, unfamiliar faces as part of his ongoing project to inject younger talent into the squad.

Notable Absentees

The squad will be missing one key player due to injury while some others due to strategic decisions. Hossein Kanani is sidelined with an injury, and three senior players—Ehsan Hajsafy, Karim Ansarifard, and Ramin Rezaeian—have been excluded from the team. This marks a significant shift as Ghalenoei looks to build a more dynamic and youthful team. It seems that the three senior players are destined to retire from Team Melli.

Rising Star: Mohammad Mahdi Zare

One of the most notable inclusions is Mohammad Mahdi Zare, a 21-year-old, 192 cm tall defender from Gol Gohar Sirjan Club. Zare has been a standout performer this season, seizing the opportunity presented by Masih Zahedi’s injury. Despite only sitting on the bench for the first game in a 1-0 defeat, Zare has since been a crucial part of a defensive line that has conceded only one goal in the subsequent five matches.

The list includes the welcome return of Mohammad Mohebbi after a long period of absence due to injury that disrupted his excellent performance with the Russian Club FC Rostov.

Strategic Decisions and Future Prospects

While it is unlikely that Ghalenoei will field Zare in the challenging matches against Uzbekistan and Qatar, the young defender’s inclusion in the squad is seen as a valuable opportunity for him to gain experience and prepare for future competitions. Ghalenoei’s strategy of integrating younger players is aimed at ensuring the long-term success and sustainability of Team Melli.

As Team Melli prepares for these crucial qualifiers, the blend of experienced players and emerging talents like Zare reflects Ghalenoei’s vision for a balanced and competitive team. The upcoming matches will not only test the team’s current capabilities but also provide a glimpse into the future of Iranian football.

THE SQUAD

No.PostPlayerDate of birth (age)CapsGoalsClub
1GKAlireza Beiranvand21 September 1992 (age 32)730 Tractor
12GKPayam Niazmand6 April 1995 (age 29)90 Sepahan
22GKHossein Hosseini30 June 1992 (age 32)110 Esteghlal
2DFSaleh Hardani26 December 1998 (age 25)80 Sepahan
4DFShojae Khalilzadeh14 May 1989 (age 35)442 Tractor
5DFMilad Mohammadi29 September 1993 (age 31)631 Persepolis
15DFAmin Hazbavi6 May 2003 (age 21)30 Sepahan
18DFAbolfazl Jalali26 June 1998 (age 26)60 Esteghlal
23DFAria Yousefi22 April 2002 (age 22)40 Sepahan
24DFAli Nemati7 February 1996 (age 28)00 Foolad Khuzestan
DFMohammad Daneshgar24 January 1994 (age 30)20 Sepahan
DFMehdi Zare25 January 2003 (age 21)00 Gol Gohar Sirjan
3MFMohammad Ghorbani21 May 2001 (age 23)40 Orenburg
6MFSaeid Ezatolahi1 October 1996 (age 28)701 Shabab Al Ahli
7MFAlireza Jahanbakhsh11 August 1993 (age 31)8617Free agent
10MFMehdi Ghayedi5 December 1998 (age 25)218 Ittihad Kalba
11MFAli Gholizadeh10 March 1996 (age 28)386 Lech Poznań
14MFSaman Ghoddos6 September 1993 (age 31)543 Ittihad Kalba
16MFMehdi Torabi10 September 1994 (age 30)517 Tractor
17MFMohammad Karimi20 June 1996 (age 28)40 Sepahan
21MFOmid Noorafkan9 April 1997 (age 27)241 Malavan
MFMohammad Mohebi20 December 1998 (age 25)236 Rostov
MFAmirhossein Hosseinzadeh30 October 2000 (age 23)30 Tractor
MFJavad Hosseinnejad26 June 2003 (age 21)20 FC Dynamo Makhachkala
9FWMehdi Taremi18 July 1992 (age 32)8751 Inter Milan
19FWShahriyar Moghanlou21 December 1994 (age 29)112 Ittihad Kalba
20FWSardar Azmoun1 January 1995 (age 29)8553 Shabab Al Ahli

Uzbekistan, the toughest test for Team Melli.

Team Melli Gears Up for Crucial Clash Against Uzbekistan

With just a week remaining before the pivotal match against Uzbekistan, Team Melli is banking on the strong form of its players across various leagues. As Iran prepares for the away fixture, head coach Amir Ghalenoei is expected to stick with a familiar squad, similar to the one fielded in the previous two matches. What bodes well for Team Melli is the impressive performances many of its key players have delivered at the club level in both domestic and regional competitions.

Key Players in Form

Sardar Azmoun has been in exceptional form for Shabab Al-Ahli in the UAE league, making headlines with his consistent performances. Likewise, Mehdi Ghayedi has impressed with his contributions for Ittihad Kalba, a smaller club, but one where he has made a significant impact.

Saman Ghoddos has also secured playing time after signing with Ittihad Kalba. Though the move from Europe to the UAE may seem like a downgrade for the midfielder who played all his professional career in Europe, regular minutes on the pitch are essential for his form, particularly with Team Melli in mind.

In Iran’s domestic league, most of Team Melli’s players have been solid, if not spectacular. However, one standout performer has been Javad Aghaeipour. His two goals in Sepahan’s AFC Champions League match against Istiklol of Tajikistan, coupled with his domestic league displays, make him a strong candidate for a recall to the national team. His form adds competition to an already crowded forward line.

Taremi’s European Brilliance

Mehdi Taremi had a standout performance for Inter Milan in their UEFA Champions League win against Red Star Belgrade, where he was named Man of the Match. Taremi played the full 90 minutes, providing two assists for Arnautovic and Martinez, before scoring a penalty to seal a 4-0 victory. After a disappointing display in Team Melli’s last match against the UAE, this performance will give Taremi a much-needed confidence boost ahead of the Uzbekistan game.

Ghalenoei’s Selection Dilemma

Amir Ghalenoei is spoilt for choice when it comes to squad selection, as Team Melli is brimming with talent. The challenge lies in how he can mold these individuals into a cohesive unit that can withstand the pressure of facing a formidable Uzbek side.

Uzbekistan: A Tough Opponent

Although Uzbekistan has a poor head-to-head record against Iran, they are a difficult team to overcome. Led by experienced coach Srečko Katanec, Uzbekistan boasts a tactically astute and disciplined squad. Katanec is known for his ability to exploit opponents’ weaknesses, and his strategic acumen will be a key factor in this encounter. Uzbekistan, still seeking their first-ever World Cup qualification, have been undefeated in this campaign and currently top the group on goal difference.

Tactical Battle Awaits

The match is shaping up to be a tactical showdown between two contrasting styles. While a draw may seem the most likely outcome on paper, Uzbekistan’s home advantage could tilt the balance in their favor. Team Melli’s defense, which has shown vulnerability in previous matches, will need to be sharp and organized to handle Uzbekistan’s dynamic attack.

The high-stakes clash will take place in Tashkent on October 10, 2024, at 17:30 Iran time.

Saman Ghoddos Joins Ittihad Kalba: The Third Iranian Star in UAE League

Saman Ghoddos has officially signed with Ittihad Kalba, becoming the third Iranian player to join this UAE Pro League team.

After being released by the English Premier League club Brentford at the end of the season, the Team Melli midfielder faced challenges in finding a new club in Europe. Despite his qualities and commitment, clubs in his home country of Sweden were also reluctant to offer him a contract.

Eventually, Ittihad Kalba, a lower-ranked UAE club, showed interest. The prospect of joining two of his Team Melli teammates, combined with a lack of other offers, led Ghoddos to sign with Kalba. Mehdi Ghayedi and Shahriar Moghanlou, the two other Iranian players at Ittihad Kalba, have already made their mark, with both players featuring in the club’s recent match against Khor Fakkan and scoring the two goals that registered the first win of the club in this season.

It is quite disheartening to see talents like Ghoddos and Sardar Azmoun end up in a league of lower stature compared to the elite European leagues. The question arises as to how such promising careers, especially Azmoun’s, can take such a downturn, leading them to play in leagues of much lower standards. This situation often reflects the players’ mentality, commitment, and mental toughness.