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Team Melli Dominates Qatar in 4-1 Victory, Strengthening World Cup Hopes

In a commanding performance, Team Melli triumphed 4-1 over reigning AFC Asian Cup champions Qatar in a crucial home game in Dubai. This victory gives Iran a significant advantage in their quest to qualify for the FIFA World Cup for the fourth consecutive time.

Key Milestones and Table Standings

The win propelled Iran to the top of Group A with 10 points and a two-goal advantage over Uzbekistan. More importantly, it opened up a crucial six-point gap between the top two teams and the third-ranked side, which could prove decisive as only the top two teams directly qualify for the 2026 World Cup.

This match also served as sweet revenge for Team Melli, who narrowly lost 3-2 to Qatar in the semi-finals of the AFC Asian Cup in Doha.

A Match Full of Drama

The match delivered plenty of excitement for Iranian fans, despite an early scare. Almoez Ali stunned the crowd with a thunderous shot that found the back of Beiranvand’s net, giving Qatar a 1-0 lead. However, Iran quickly regained composure, demonstrating their strength, skill, and resilience to score four goals and secure the emphatic victory.

Positives from the Match

While there were challenges, Team Melli showcased its potential and ability to dominate:

1. Sardar Azmoun’s Resurgence:
After a string of lackluster performances, Azmoun was the standout player, delivering a man-of-the-match performance. He scored twice and assisted the third goal, demonstrating his value to the team. Playing on his club’s home ground, Azmoun’s performance was a timely reminder of his quality and class as a forward.

2. Defensive Agility:
Despite conceding early, Iran’s makeshift defense—missing two key players—showed impressive resilience. They managed to neutralize Qatar’s dangerous forwards, Akram Afif and Almoez Ali, providing little room for further threats.

3. Winning Mentality:
The team displayed a relentless drive to win. Even when leading 3-1, Team Melli pressed forward, securing a fourth goal in injury time. This offensive mindset reflects a growing belief in the squad’s abilities, something that will be crucial as they continue their qualifying campaign.

Areas for Improvement

Despite the impressive victory, there are still aspects that need addressing:

1. Route One Football:
Coach Ghalenoei has relied heavily on the ‘Route One’ tactic, which involves long, direct passes to the forwards. However, this approach has seldom yielded results for Iran, and ironically, Qatar’s opening goal came from a similar tactic. Once Iran shifted to a more creative passing game—utilizing the wings and feeding the ball to power forwards Taremi and Azmoun—they found success. This match proved that Team Melli is far more effective when they focus on building play rather than relying on long balls. Hopefully, Ghalenoei will reconsider his use of Route One football going forward.

2. Discipline Issues:
Iran’s players continue to struggle with discipline. In this match, Mehdi Ghayedi narrowly avoided being sent off for a reckless tackle, and three yellow cards were needlessly conceded by Azmoun, Mohebbi, and Ghayedi. This indiscipline is a worrying trend—Team Melli has accumulated 10 cards (9 yellow, 1 red) in just four matches of the World Cup qualifiers. Such poor discipline could prove costly in future matches, and it’s an issue that requires more oversight from the coaching staff.

3. Lack of Trust in Young Players:
Coach Ghalenoei has spoken of integrating young talent, but his reluctance to give them significant playing time was evident. Promising players like Amin Hezbavi, Javad Hosseinnejad, Yousefi, and Amir Hosseinzadeh were either sidelined or given minimal minutes, while older players like Jahanbaksh and Moghanlou—who have struggled to make an impact—were given preference. If these young players are to develop, they need meaningful opportunities to prove themselves on the big stage.

4. The Ali Gholizadeh Mystery:
The decision to keep Ali Gholizadeh on the bench remains puzzling. His pace and skill could have been crucial in breaking down Qatar’s defense, especially on the flanks. Hopefully, his absence was not due to an injury, as his talent would have made a significant difference.

Looking Ahead

Despite the criticisms, Team Melli’s performance against Qatar was largely positive. However, consistency will be key as they prepare to face North Korea, the lowest-ranked team in their group, and Kyrgyzstan in November. North Korea, while not as formidable as Qatar, will present a different challenge. Anything less than six points in these upcoming matches would be a disappointment for a team with such high aspirations.

TEAM MELLI TROUNCES QATAR TO GO TOP OF GROUP ‘A’

Iran’s Team Melli Triumphs 4-1 Over Qatar in World Cup 2026 Qualifier

Team Melli soared to the top of Group A in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round 3 qualifiers after a commanding 4-1 victory over Qatar on Tuesday. The win was powered by braces from Sardar Azmoun and Mohammad Mohebbi.

The match began with an early scare for Iran when, in the 17th minute, Almoez Ali broke free from his marker, Ali Nemati, and fired a shot into the roof of Alireza Beiranvand’s goal to put Qatar ahead. Iran responded late in the first half with Azmoun’s powerful header, which left the Qatari goalkeeper rooted to the spot. Omid Nourafkan delivered a precise cross from the left, and Azmoun’s clinical finish drew Iran level. Before that equalizer, Azmoun came close by rattling the crossbar, marking Iran’s best chance in the first half. Despite this, the opening 45 minutes ended in a 1-1 stalemate, with neither side fully controlling the game.

In the second half, Iran took command with fluid passing and excellent ball distribution, creating multiple chances and dictating the pace against the reigning AFC Asian Cup champions. Just three minutes into the half, Qatar’s goalkeeper Meshaal Bersham collided with his own defender while attempting to clear the ball, gifting Azmoun an easy opportunity to tap home his second goal and put Iran ahead.

In the 66th minute, Mohammad Mohebbi further deflated Qatar’s hopes with Iran’s third goal. A well-placed through ball found Azmoun just inside the Qatari half, and his blistering run into the box ended with a perfectly timed pass to the onrushing Mohebbi, who slotted the ball into an open net.

Mohebbi sealed the victory late in stoppage time with a second goal, heading home from Nourafkan’s corner to make it 4-1. The win lifted Iran to the top of the group, surpassing Uzbekistan on goal difference.

This was a crucial and comprehensive win for coach Amir Ghalenoei, who had been facing criticism and pressure to shake up the lineup amid injuries, suspensions and dips in form. Despite a few key absences, the coach fielded a balanced and powerful lineup. Mohammad Karimi, Nourafkan, and Nemati, despite Nemati’s early lapse that led to Qatar’s opener, performed well in their roles as replacements, proving Ghalenoei’s tactics effective on the day.

Iran vs Qatar: Who dares wins.

Team Melli Prepares for Crucial Showdown Against Qatar in World Cup 2026 Qualifiers

On Tuesday, Iran’s national football team, Team Melli, will face AFC Asian Cup holders Qatar in Dubai for a pivotal match in Group A of the FIFA World Cup 2026 third-round qualifiers. Both teams are vying for qualification to the prestigious tournament, with Iran and Uzbekistan currently tied at the top of the group on seven points, ahead of the UAE and Qatar, who each have four points. This match represents a significant opportunity for both sides to either consolidate or reinvigorate their campaign as they inch closer to World Cup qualification.

The Dubai Venue: A Blessing in Disguise

While many Iranian football fans and pundits lament the fact that Team Melli has been denied the opportunity to host this match on home soil, playing in Dubai may, in fact, prove advantageous for the team. Iran’s football infrastructure has been under scrutiny for years, and the current state of the pitches—especially as the iconic Azadi Stadium undergoes construction and maintenance—is widely regarded as subpar. In a country with a deep footballing history, it is a matter of national embarrassment that Iran lacks proper pitches, forcing matches to be played on surfaces that are sometimes no better than “cattle grazing grounds.”

Beyond the poor pitch conditions, organizational and logistical issues have plagued Iranian football for some time. These include chaotic fan entry procedures, frequent promotion of political propaganda during matches, heavy-handed security, unruly fan behavior, and restrictions on women entering stadiums.

In contrast, Dubai is an exemplary venue for hosting top-tier international football. The city, like Doha, boasts professional and efficient sporting event management. The superior facilities, along with the fact that Dubai hosts a large and passionate Iranian expatriate community, means that Team Melli will likely enjoy strong support from the stands, creating a home-away-from-home atmosphere. This level of comfort could be vital for the team, as they aim to secure all three points.

Team Melli’s Lineup and Tactical Challenges

Despite the absence of three key players due to injury or suspension, Team Melli enters the match with a slight edge over Qatar, both in terms of experience and talent. However, the long-standing concern for Iran has been the predictability of its tactics. Under the guidance of head coach Amir Ghalenoei, the team has stuck to a direct style of play, often relying on “route one” football—long balls and counterattacks. This approach has neither been attractive to watch nor particularly effective, especially considering Iran boasts two of Asia’s most talented forwards, Mehdi Taremi and Sardar Azmoun.

Shockingly, between Taremi and Azmoun—who are considered among the continent’s elite strikers—there has been just one goal scored in Team Melli’s first three matches of the qualifiers. Iran’s total of two goals in those games is woefully low, especially for a team with such firepower. While some of the blame can be attributed to poor finishing, a deeper analysis reveals that the style of play is a major factor. The lack of creativity and quality in service from midfield has resulted in few genuine scoring opportunities for Taremi and Azmoun.

Ghalenoei’s focus on defensive solidity has come at the expense of offensive fluidity. The forwards have been isolated, often relying on half-chances to make an impact. If Iran is to improve its scoring output, the coach may need to adopt a more balanced approach, allowing the midfield to support the attack more consistently.

Qatar’s Resurgence and Threats

Qatar, on the other hand, has shown steady improvement since their disappointing home defeat against the UAE on the opening day of the qualifiers. The reintroduction of defensive stalwarts Abdulkarim Hassan and Boualem Khoukhi has shored up the backline, while their attack, led by the dynamic duo of Akram Afif and Almoez Ali, continues to be dangerous. Unlike Iran, Qatar has shown clinical finishing ability, often converting half-chances into goals. This efficiency in front of goal could be a decisive factor in Tuesday’s match.

Qatar’s counter-attacking style and ability to capitalize on mistakes make them a dangerous opponent for Team Melli. The Iranian defense will need to remain organized and vigilant, as Afif and Almoez have the pace and skill to punish any lapses in concentration.

Iran’s Key Players and Defensive Resilience

While Iran’s attack has struggled, their defense has been one of the team’s bright spots, keeping a clean sheet through the first three matches of the qualifiers. Much of this defensive solidity is owed to the emergence of Ali Nemati, who delivered a standout performance in his debut against Uzbekistan. Nemati’s calm and assured presence in the backline, stepping in for the injured Hossein Kanaanizadegan, was a revelation. If he can replicate that form against Qatar, Iran’s defense will have a solid foundation to build on.

In midfield, Saeid Ezatollahi has also begun to rediscover his form. After a string of underwhelming performances, the Shabab Al-Ahli midfielder put in a commanding display in the last match. Playing on his club’s home ground in Dubai, Ezatollahi will be expected to pull the strings and control the tempo of the game. The absence of the suspended Saman Ghoddos places extra creative responsibility on Ali Gholizadeh and Mehdi Ghayedi, both of whom have the flair and skill to unlock defenses. If Ghalenoei opts to start these two dynamic players, Iran could pose a more varied and unpredictable attacking threat.

Taremi and Azmoun: Time to Deliver

For all of Iran’s defensive resilience, the onus will ultimately fall on Taremi and Azmoun to deliver in front of goal. Both players have been underperforming for Team Melli in recent games, and their form will be crucial if Iran is to break down Qatar’s defense. In a match of this magnitude, the big players need to step up, and Taremi and Azmoun must rediscover their scoring touch if Iran is to secure the win and remain atop Group A.

A Match of Fine Margins

Tuesday’s clash in Dubai promises to be a tight, tense affair, with both teams capable of taking all three points. While Iran may hold a slight advantage on paper, Qatar’s recent resurgence and clinical finishing mean that the match could swing either way. For Team Melli, a win would solidify their position as group leaders and bring them one step closer to World Cup qualification, while for Qatar, a victory would reignite their campaign.

As both teams prepare for this crucial encounter, the stage is set for an intriguing contest between two of Asia’s footballing giants.

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)