Category: News

roud Hossein hails IR Iran’s history makers

The-afc.com
Mon, 31 March, 2025

Pattaya: Naderi Hossein was beaming with pride after Iran rewrote the history books by retaining the AFC Beach Soccer Asian Cup™ title on Sunday.

Iran became the first four-time champions on top of a bit of personal history after their emphatic 8-1 win against Oman in the final as Hossein hailed the immense standard within the squad.

#ACBeachSoccer | Final : IR Iran 8 - 1 Oman

“I need to thank each and everyone of our players,” said Hossein. “We have a good team, we are a family. It’s the first time we were able to defend our title. This trophy is for the people of Iran.”

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“We have great quality but I don’t think we showed the full extent of it even with this result. 

“I said before we focus on the quality of our players. In this tournament, we are really together, we are one mind. That’s how we showed in the game.”

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Man-of-the-match Ali Mirshekari joined in the praise as he and his teammates showed their full desire and commitment until the final whistle despite holding a handsome lead in the match.

“We worked non stop,” said Mirshekari who also picked up the Most Valuable Player and Top Scorer awards.

 “We weren’t thinking about the score or the time. All we were thinking is just trying to find more goals and not conceding.”

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As for Oman, their gallant run in the tournament finally came to a halt but despite the defeat, head coach Talib Hilal was proud with how his players performed in the tournament, which included wins over Japan and the United Arab Emirates.

“I can say congratulations to Iran, they deserved to win the title,” said Hilal. “They were the better team today.

“My team was tired after playing three tough matches against high quality opposition in four days. Overall, it’s still good for us to be runners-up.”

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“We played well but fatigue didn’t help the players. When we’re tired, we lose concentration easily and some of the goals were because of mistakes but I don’t blame them because the game was played in high intensity.”

Iran, Oman and Japan will lead Asia’s challenge at the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Seychelles 2025 in May.

UAE Shocks Football World by Sacking Paulo Bento After Narrow Win Over North Korea

Dubai – In a surprising move, the United Arab Emirates Football Association (UAEFA) has dismissed  the Portuguese Paulo Bento as head coach of the national team—just hours after a dramatic 2-1 victory over North Korea kept their slim 2026 World Cup qualification hopes alive.

The decision has left many observers puzzled, as the UAE remains in contention for a direct qualification spot. They currently sit four points behind second-placed Uzbekistan in Group A of the third round of Asian qualifiers, with two matches remaining. The top two teams from each group secure automatic entry to the 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Bento, who took charge in July 2023, was relieved of his duties alongside his entire coaching staff. The UAEFA announced the decision on social media without providing further details.

Why the Sudden Move?

Despite the win over North Korea—sealed by a late stoppage-time goal—the UAE’s recent form has been inconsistent. A 2-0 loss to Iran just days earlier had already put pressure on Bento’s position.

However, the team still has a realistic chance:

  • Direct qualification: If they overtake Uzbekistan in the final two matches.
  • Playoff route: Finishing third or fourth would enter them into an additional playoff round for one of Asia’s eight guaranteed World Cup spots.

Bento’s Track Record

The 55-year-old Portuguese manager is no stranger to high-stakes football:

  • Led South Korea to the 2022 World Cup knockout stage.
  • Guided Portugal to the Euro 2012 semifinals.
  • Took over the UAE after their previous coach, Rodolfo Arruabarrena, was dismissed.

Meanwhile, Iran became the first team from Group A to secure World Cup qualification after a 2-2 draw against Uzbekistan.

The sudden dismissal raises questions about the UAEFA’s long-term vision, especially with crucial matches looming. Who will replace Bento—and can they salvage the UAE’s World Cup dreams?

Framarz Zelli passes away

Tehran – Faramarz Zelli, the former Team Melli goalkeeper and a pioneer of Iranian football, passed away today in Tehran at the age of 83.

A stalwart between the posts, Zelli was part of Iran’s golden generation, contributing to some of the nation’s most historic football achievements. He was a member of the legendary 1968 squad that clinched Iran’s first-ever AFC Asian Cup, etching his name in the annals of Iranian football history. At the club level, he made further history by winning the 1970 Asian Club Championship with Taj (now Esteghlal), marking the first time an Iranian club lifted the continental trophy.

Zelli enjoyed a distinguished domestic career, winning multiple Iranian league titles and Hazfi Cup trophies with Taj and later Pas Tehran. His international journey also included a milestone appearance at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, where he was part of Iran’s first-ever squad at a major global tournament.

Though often serving as a backup goalkeeper for Team Melli, Zelli was revered for his unwavering passion, dedication, and loyalty to Iranian football. His legacy extends beyond his on-field contributions, as he remained a respected figure in the sport long after his retirement.

The football community mourns the loss of a true legend, whose career helped pave the way for future generations of Iranian players.

Iran Beach Soccer rules supreme after winning the Fourth title.

The-AFC.com
Pattaya:

Iran reigned supreme again at the AFC Beach Soccer Asian Cup™ after they defended their title with an 8-1 win against Oman in the Thailand 2025 final on Sunday.

It was a historic occasion for Iran as they not only emerged back-to-back champions for the first time but Sunday’s triumph puts them ahead of Japan as the only four-time champions.

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The first period settled into a pattern from the opening whistle with Iran dominating possession while Oman looked to hit on the counter. 

Oman custodian Younis Al-Owaisi had to be alert to block efforts from Mahdi Shirmohammadi and Movahed Mohammapour before his opposite number Seyedmahdi Mirjalili pushed away an attempt from Nooh Al Zadjali.

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Iran found the breakthrough a minute before the end of the first period when Seyedmohammad Dastan’s long range effort was saved by Amjad Al-Hamdani but Shirmohammadi leaped high into the air to nod home the rebound.

The defending champions stepped up another gear in the second half, doubling their lead in the 15th minute after Reza Amiri smashed a free-kick home with the final bounce off the sand taking the ball away from the gloves of Al-Owaisi.

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Iran made it 3-0 two minutes later, Movahed Mohammadpour with a beautifully executed overhead kick that ended up in the top corner of Oman’s goal.

Despite holding a substantial lead, Iran were relentless in pursuing more and duly added to their advantage in the 18th minute when Seyed Nazem steered a first-time effort home before Ali Mirshekari blasted in two minutes later with a free-kick.

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Oman pulled a goal back seconds later after Sami Al Bulushi was left unmarked at the far post to sweep home but the 2015 champions conceded another in the 22nd minute with Mirshekari getting his second in the game.

The final period saw a battling performance from Oman but it made little difference with Iran’s Mohammadali Mokhtari adding to the score in the 32nd and 36th minutes to cap the emphatic win. 

AFC BEACH SOCCER ASIAN CUP
ROLL OF HONOR

TeamTitlesRunners-upThird placeFourth placeTotal
 Iran4 (2013, 2017, 2023, 2025)5 (2006, 2007, 2008, 2011, 2015)1 (2009)10
 Japan3 (2009, 2011, 2019)6 (2006, 2007, 2008, 2013, 2015, 2023)2 (2017, 2025)11
 United Arab Emirates2 (2007*, 2008*)2 (2017, 2019)1 (2013)2 (2011, 2023)7
 Oman1 (2015)2 (2011*, 2025)3 (2009, 2019, 2023)6
 Bahrain1 (2006)1 (2009)1 (2007)3
 China2 (2006, 2008)2
 Lebanon2 (2015, 2017)2
 Australia1 (2013)1
 Palestine1 (2019)1
 Saudi Arabia1 (2025)1

Iran Beach Soccer qualifies for the World Cup after defeating Saudi Arabia in the Semi-Final.

Pattaya: Islamic Republic of Iran stayed on course to retain their title after defeating Saudi Arabia 6-0 in their AFC Beach Soccer Asian Cup™ Thailand 2025 semi-final on Saturday.

Naderi Hossein’s side, seeking a  record-extending fourth title, will meet either Japan or Oman in the final and have also booked their ticket to the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Seychelles 2025.

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With a place in the final at stake, both teams adopted a cautious approach in the opening minutes with Saudi Arabia focusing on being organised defensively to close the space down on Iran.

There were half-chances with Iran’s Seyed Nazem having a shot blocked by Saudi Arabia goalkeeper Mohammed Alajmi while at the other end, custodian Seyedmahdi Mirjalili stopped an effort from Khalid Mudhaya.

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The deadlock was broken in the seventh minute when Iran substitute keeper Seyemohammad Dastan showed his accuracy from distance, rifling a volley into the top corner beyond Alajmi’s outstretched hands.

Sensing their moment, Iran doubled their advantage two minutes later as they opened up Saudi Arabia’s defence for the first time in the game, allowing Nazem the chance to smash an overhead strike home.

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Saudi Arabia showed more attacking intent in the second period with an Eslam Hussei effort that bounced just over the bar while Majed Shamhani forced Mirjalili into a low save to his left, but their inability to put away their chances were punished by Iran late in the period.

Movahed Mohammadpour found Ali Mishekari in the space in the 22nd minute and the Iranian forward accepted the invitation to power in an overhead strike to score his ninth goal of the campaign.

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Iran kept up their intensity in the third period as they added further goals through Mohammad Masoumizadeh (27th), Dastan (31st) and Mirshekari (36th) to seal their passage to the final.

Despite the defeat, Saudi Arabia will keep their eye on the ball for the third place playoff on Sunday which offers a spot in the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup to the winners.

US Soccer Congratulates Iran

US Soccer President Dismisses Rumors of Visa Issues for Iran’s Team Melli at FIFA World Cup 2026

Since Team Melli’s early qualification for the FIFA World Cup 2026, speculation has been swirling about potential political interference in the team’s participation. A particularly controversial rumor suggests that US President Donald Trump might refuse to grant entry visas to the Iranian squad unless Iran agrees to US-imposed conditions in nuclear negotiations.

While such a move would not be unprecedented given past diplomatic tensions between the two nations, the US Soccer Federation appears determined to separate politics from the game. Cindy Parlow Cone, the President of US Soccer, has taken a firm stance against these rumors. In a message to Mehdi Taj, the President of the Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran (FFIRI), she congratulated Team Melli on their qualification and extended a warm welcome to the Iranian team, emphasizing that the US is committed to hosting an inclusive and fair tournament.

Iran’s relationship with the FIFA World Cup has had its share of political hurdles. The last time the tournament was held in the United States, in 1994, Iran was absent after failing to qualify. However, when the two nations faced off in the 1998 World Cup in France, the match became one of the most politically charged games in World Cup history. Despite the tension, both teams exchanged flowers and took a joint team photo in a rare moment of sports diplomacy.

With World Cup 2026 set to take place across the US, Canada, and Mexico, Iran’s qualification marks an opportunity for football to transcend politics once again. While international relations remain complex, the words of US Soccer’s leadership suggest that Team Melli will be welcomed on sporting merit rather than diplomatic terms. For now, Iranian fans can focus on the tournament ahead, hoping their team will make history on North American soil.

Iran Beach Soccer trounce Bahrain in the quarter finals.

Pattaya
www.the-afc.com

Iran stormed into the semi-finals of the AFC Beach Soccer Asian Cup™ Thailand 2025 as they handed Bahrain a 11-0 defeat in their quarter-final clash on Thursday.

The defending champions will now face Saudi Arabia in Saturday’s semi-final with the winners to also book their ticket to the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Seychelles 2025. 

Iran started on an aggressive footing, with captain Mohammadali Mokhtari taking a shot in the third minute but saw his effort strike the post.

A minute later, Movahed Mohammadour’s acrobatic effort found the perfectly positioned Mohammad Masoumizadeh, who expertly heeled the ball into the net.

Iran extended their lead shortly before the end of the first period when Ali Mirshekari’s bicycle kick beat Bahrain goalkeeper Ahmed Abdulrasool to find the back of the net, followed by a second goal from Mokhtari seconds later.

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Mokhtari had a chance to complete his hat-trick halfway through the second period, but the Bahrain custodian reacted swiftly to parry it away.

The Hossein Nadei-led side continued to flaunt their goalscoring prowess throughout the second period with Masoumi netting his second goal of the evening in the 19th minute, while Seyed Ali Nazem followed suit two minutes later.

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A sixth goal for the Central Asians came in the final seconds of the second period when Mirshekari converted a penalty by sending the ball into the bottom right corner of the Bahrain net.

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There was no stopping Iran, as just two minutes into the final period, Abbas Rezaei and Saeed Piramoun added their names to the scoresheet within seconds of each other, with Nazem and Mirshekari further extending the lead in the 27th and 28th minutes. 

Iran capped off their dominant victory with a final goal from Mohammadali Nazarzadeh in the final minute of the match, to make it 11-0.

FFIRI announces October friendly against Russia

The Russian and Iranian teams previously played against each other on three occasions

TEHRAN, March 26. /TASS/. Iran’s governing body of football FFIRI (Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran) has announced that the national teams of Iran and Russia will play a friendly football match later this year, Tasnim news agency reported on Wednesday citing FFIRI President Mehdi Taj.

“We will play a friendly match against the Russian team on October 6 and will play against Chile on October 14,” Taj said.

The Russian and Iranian teams previously played against each other on three occasions: in 2011, when Iran defeated Russia 1-0, and in 2017 and 2023, which both ended in a 1-1 draw.

The USSR also played three matches against Iran, winning all of them: in the quarterfinals of the 1976 Summer Olympics in Canada (2-1), in a 1976 friendly match (1-0) and in the 1985 Nehru Cup (2-0).

The Iranian national football team has already qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States. The matches will be played in 16 cities across the North American continent. This will be the first FIFA World Cup featuring 48 teams compared to the previous 32-team format.

Russia’s football ban

The world’s governing football body, FIFA, announced on February 28, 2022, that the Russian national team and all professional clubs representing the country were barred from participating in FIFA tournaments.

In turn, the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) made a similar decision regarding the Russian national football team’s participation in UEFA tournaments.

Both FIFA and UEFA cited Russia’s special military operation in Ukraine as grounds for their respective bans on Russian teams’ participation in competitions.

 Ghalenoei pays tribute to game-changer Taremi

Tehran: Amir Ghalenoei praised the contribution of Mehdi Taremi after the Inter Milan forward rose to the occasion to help Iran reach a fourth consecutive FIFA World Cup.

Staring at their first World Cup qualifier home defeat since 2012, Ghalenoei needed someone from his team to step up to the plate and Taremi did not disappoint, scoring his second in the 83rd minute to salvage a 2-2 draw against Uzbekistan with the point sufficient to clinch qualification.

#AsianQualifiers - Road To 26 | Group A : IR Iran 2 - 2 Uzbekistan

“A great player must help both technically and physically,” said Ghalenoei. “Taremi is one of them, and even though he plays for a great team and is not in good condition and could have missed the season, he played and was with the team and played for the people. 

“He became the best player on the field and I am happy that in most games, he is the best player on the field from the Iranian national team.”

Ghalenoei went on to reiterate that reaching the Finals in the United States, Canada and Mexico only meant the beginning of more hard work with the wily head coach targeting a first ever knockout stage appearance at the global showpiece.

“I congratulate the Iranian people on this qualification. Qualification was not an easy task. Look at the capabilities of other teams and you will see that the players were able to achieve this qualification through difficult circumstances. 

“We will give a very good plan to the officials in the next two to three weeks and we hope that it will be implemented and we will be able to advance to the Round of 32 in the World Cup.”

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Goals from Hojimat Erkinov and Abbosbek Fayzullaev had given head coach Timur Kapadze hope that Uzbekistan themselves could book their spot at the FIFA World Cup 2026 but it wasn’t to be.

However, the Central Asians are still very much in control of their own destiny as they hold a four-point lead over United Arab Emirates with two matches remaining.

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“First of all, I would like to congratulate the Iranian national team on qualifying for the World Cup and wish them success in this tournament,” said Kapadze. 

“The game was interesting and exciting, both teams had chances. I think the result was fair. We could have beaten Iran, but it didn’t happen.

“The people of Uzbekistan deserve the World Cup and I thank them for their prayers. We are trying to achieve the desired result in the next game and qualify.”

Team Melli Secures Fourth Consecutive FIFA World Cup Qualification After Draw with Uzbekistan

Team Melli has officially qualified for the FIFA World Cup 2026 for the fourth consecutive time and a record seventh time following a hard-fought 2-2 draw against Uzbekistan at Azadi Stadium.

In a tense and thrilling encounter, Uzbekistan stunned Iran early when Jasurbek Erkinov capitalized on a defensive lapse to score in the 16th minute. However, Mehdi Taremi leveled the match in the 52nd minute with a spectacular goal, finishing off a brilliant assist from Sardar Azmoun and a sublime pass by Mehdi Ghaedi.

The celebrations were short-lived, as Uzbekistan quickly regained the lead. Just moments after Iran’s equalizer, Fayzullaev curled in a free kick, with goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand unable to prevent the ball from rolling into the far corner of the net.

Despite the setback, Team Melli remained relentless, dominating possession and pressing forward. Their efforts paid off when Mehdi Taremi struck again, securing Iran’s second equalizer and ensuring the match ended in a 2-2 draw.

With two matches remaining in the qualifiers, Uzbekistan remains in a strong position and is likely to join Iran in securing a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.

However, the post-match atmosphere was bittersweet. While the Iranian squad celebrated their qualification, Alireza Beiranvand was overcome with emotion. The Team Melli goalkeeper broke down in tears, having been repeatedly booed by the crowd—a reaction seemingly tied to his role in Uzbekistan’s second goal and other ongoing issues.

In the other Group A fixture, Kyrgyzstan pulled off an impressive 3-1 victory over Qatar in Bishkek.