Power Outage Halts Iran-UAE World Cup Qualifier at Azadi Stadium

A sudden power failure on the northeast side of Azadi Stadium caused the Iran-UAE World Cup qualifier to be temporarily halted, presenting an embarrassing scene for Iranian football on the international stage.

According to a Mehr reporter, the match between the national teams of Iran and the UAE kicked off at 19:30 on Thursday, March 20, 1403 (Persian calendar) at Azadi Stadium. However, the game was not without its controversies and notable moments:

  • Mixed Reception for Beiranvand: When the Iranian players entered the stadium, most received warm cheers from the crowd. However, goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand—who transferred from Persepolis to Tractor at the start of the Iranian Premier League season—was met with hostile chants from sections of the spectators. The keeper has been suffering verbal abuse from the beginning of the season. This unfortunate condition was not helped by Beiranvand’s own rhetoric’s.
  • Paulo Bento’s Active Presence: UAE head coach Paulo Bento displayed great enthusiasm from the sidelines, actively leading and encouraging his players from the very beginning of the match.
  • Stadium Lights Malfunction: In the 10th minute, the projectors on the northeast side of the stadium suddenly turned off, forcing the match to be paused.
  • Extended Break and Players Sent to Locker Rooms: After an initial 15-minute stoppage, the referee instructed both teams to return to their locker rooms while officials worked to resolve the lighting issue. The game eventually resumed after an 18-minute delay.
  • Players’ Reactions: While waiting for the match to restart, players from both teams attempted to stay warm by keeping their legs active on the field. Meanwhile, the UAE goalkeeper engaged in a discussion with the referee, urging him to restart the game as soon as possible, but his request was met with resistance.

This unexpected interruption during a crucial World Cup qualifier raises serious concerns about Azadi Stadium’s infrastructure, casting a shadow over Iranian football’s global image.

This failure occurred after a long period of maintenance conducted on the old and frailing stadium built in 1973 for the Asian Games 1974. It once again exposed the sports authorities failure and management of Iran’s football infrastructure which has fallen way behind the neighboring countries. Such failures are a source of embarrassment for all concerned. Iran has never staged any major sports events, particularly football, since the revolution! At this rate, it is doubtful that this generation will ever witness such an event.

Mehdi Taremi Reflects on Iran’s Victory Over UAE, Calls for Better Planning

According to Mehr, Iranian national team striker Mehdi Taremi shared his thoughts following Team Melli’s victory over the UAE.

“First of all, I would like to congratulate the Iranian people on the New Year. I hope this year brings blessings and prosperity,” Taremi said. “We struggled in the first half but performed much better in the second half. Overall, I think we played well.”

Taremi then spoke about his injury concerns and the need for rest. “For the past four or five months, I have trained and played through niggling injuries. But now, I have decided to rest to avoid worsening my condition.”

Calls for Structural Improvements

Taremi emphasized the need for better planning and organization within the national team setup. “Our qualification is almost certain, but we need to improve many aspects of the team’s structure. Certain things I observed on the bench should not have happened. I am not used to be on the bench in Azadi,” he stated “and from there, I observed some awkward things that belittles the team”

Highlighting the gap between Asian and international competitions, he added: “The World Cup is a completely different level. International matches are far more challenging than Asian fixtures. In the past, we were eliminated with dignity due to minor details. But now, as we aim to progress further in the tournament, we must be much better prepared.”

Criticism of Azadi Stadium Facilities

Taremi also addressed the power outage at Azadi Stadium that disrupted the match. “I don’t know whether to call it mismanagement or something else, but those involved know that while the surface details look fine, the actual conditions are far from acceptable. The locker rooms are in terrible shape, and even the mixed zone is poorly maintained. This is an embarrassment. We have always had to deal with such issues, low standards and low quality of the surroundings” he lamented.

Expressing his frustration, he added: “I feel sorry for the officials. I honestly think that some people out there want to tarnish Iran’s image, and I feel bad for those responsible for managing these situations.”

On the Presence of the President & Economic Conditions

Taremi acknowledged the efforts of the country’s leadership: “Despite all the difficulties, the president, Dr. Pezeshkian came to support us, and I appreciate such a gesture.”

Regarding Iran’s economic situation and the weakening of the Iranian currency, he said: “When I predicted that the dollar would reach 90,000 tomans, people criticized me. Now that it has hit 100,000 tomans, they are attacking me even more.”

Future at Inter & Career Aspirations

Discussing his future at Inter Milan, Taremi reassured fans: “There’s good news. The club and the coach are aware of my injury, which is why my recent performances may not have been ideal. I know this and truly regret it. If the coach continues to trust me, I will definitely stay at Inter next season.”

When asked about signs of frustration on his face, he admitted: “Yes! I am ambitious, and this much passion can sometimes make me appear tense. I hope to fully recover from my injury this year.”

Addressing potential offers from Asia, Taremi remained focused on his European career: “I’ve received offers from Asian clubs before, and while I respect them, I haven’t seriously considered leaving Europe. My goal is to maintain my performance at the highest level.”

Taremi was an unused substitute on Thursday when Iran played the UAE. It is unclear whether the former Porto player will feature against Uzbekistan on Tuesday.

Team Melli One Step Away from FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualification After 2-0 Victory Over UAE

Team Melli is now just one point away from securing a spot in the FIFA World Cup 2026 – to be held in Canada, Mexico, and the USA – after defeating the UAE national football team 2-0 at Azadi Stadium.

The match, played under heavy rain, saw a strong turnout from fans but was unexpectedly disrupted due to stadium lighting issues. The Korean referee, Ko, was forced to halt the game for nearly 30 minutes. While television broadcasts did not indicate a significant reduction in visibility, one of the floodlight towers suffered multiple failures, reportedly falling below the minimum requirement for play.

Match Summary

From the opening whistle, Team Melli took the initiative, launching relentless attacks. In the 8th minute, Sardar Azmoun delivered a precise pass to Mohammad Mohebbi, but the Rostov forward squandered a golden opportunity with a weak shot, which UAE goalkeeper Khalid Eissa comfortably cleared.

Iran dominated possession, with midfielders Saman Ghoddos and Roozbeh Cheshmi effectively controlling the game and closing down spaces, preventing the UAE from creating meaningful chances.

The breakthrough came just before halftime when Ghoddos lofted a perfectly placed ball into the box. Azmoun rose above two defenders and powered a header past Eissa, giving Iran a well-deserved 1-0 lead.

The UAE had a rare chance to equalize after an uncharacteristic mistake by Ghoddos, whose misplaced pass was intercepted, leaving the Emirati forward one-on-one with Alireza Beiranvand. However, the striker failed to capitalize, sending his shot wide.

Second Half Action

Iran continued their high-pressing approach in the second half, denying the UAE time on the ball. Midway through the half, Mohebbi seemed to have doubled the lead after an impressive solo run from the halfway line, but his goal was ruled out for a marginal offside.

Mohebbi, however, was not to be denied. Minutes later, he found the net again—this time legally—after receiving a precise assist from Mehdi Ghaedi. His composed finish secured a 2-0 victory, sending the home crowd into celebration.

Despite several missed chances in the latter stages, the win moves Iran within touching distance of their seventh World Cup qualification. Under the guidance of their national coach, Team Melli now needs just a draw in their next match against Uzbekistan to officially book their ticket to the finals.

Mohebbi, who was voted Man of the Match, received a yellow card from referee Ko, ruling him out of the crucial fixture against Uzbekistan on the 25th March.

Saeed Ezzatollahi Ruled Out of UAE Clash Due to InjuryTeam Melli’s Injury List

Saeed Ezzatollahi has been ruled out of Iran’s squad for Thursday’s match against the UAE due to injury.

According to Sports Three, the Iranian midfielder missed Team Melli’s final training session on Wednesday at Dastgerdi Stadium, confirming his absence from the upcoming World Cup qualifier.

Iran will also have another injury concern heading into the match. Star forward Mehdi Taremi has sustained a minor injury but is expected to make the squad. Reports suggest that he should be fit enough to feature in the lineup against the UAE.

Ezzatollahi, the fifth most experienced player in the national team, will continue his rehabilitation under the supervision of Team Melli’s medical staff. A final decision on his availability for Iran’s crucial clash against Uzbekistan will be made in the coming days.

Team Melli’s qualifications scenarios

The chances of Team Melli qualification on March 25th after the end of the match against Uzbekistan are quite high. Iran is just about on the threshold of qualification with the two next matches could see Team Melli qualify for the FIFA World Cup for the seventh time with a few two matches to spare.

In here we will review the various scenarios in which Iran can seal its qualification in the next two matches vs. UAE on the 20th and then against Uzbekistan on the 25th and both matches are held at home in Azadi Stadium.

Eight Team Melli Players at Risk of Suspension Ahead of Uzbekistan ClashTeam Melli players under the threat of suspension

Eight key Team Melli players face the risk of suspension for Iran’s crucial match against Uzbekistan on March 25 if they receive yellow cards in Thursday’s game against the UAE.

Iran will host the UAE at Azadi Stadium on the final day of the Iranian calendar year 1403 as part of the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers. Head coach Amir Ghalenoei will send his team onto the field under the looming threat of potential suspensions, with eight players carrying yellow cards from previous matches.

The players at risk are Alireza Jahanbakhsh, Hossein Kananizadegan, Milad Mohammadi, Sardar Azmoun, Mehdi Ghayedi, Mohammad Mohebi, Aria Yousefi, and Saeed Ezzatollahi—all just one booking away from missing the showdown with Uzbekistan.

If any of these players receive a yellow card against the UAE, they will be ruled out of the Uzbekistan match. Additionally, should any of them receive a caution against Uzbekistan, they risk suspension for Iran’s final two qualifiers.

Disciplinary issues have historically been a weak spot for Team Melli, and this trend has persisted under Ghalenoei’s tenure. Managing player discipline will be crucial in ensuring Iran fields its strongest squad for the decisive matches ahead.

UAE Faces Crucial Clash Against Iran in World Cup Qualifiers

Thursday’s game between Iran and the UAE at Azadi Stadium marks the 21st meeting between the two neighboring nations at the senior international level. The UAE has managed just one victory, a friendly match win, and has yet to defeat Team Melli in an official competition. This winless record has become a psychological hurdle for the team, adding pressure on head coach Paulo Bento as he prepares his squad for two pivotal matches in the Asian qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Apart from their encounter with Group A leaders Iran on March 20 in Tehran, the UAE will face North Korea on March 25 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. With the stakes higher than ever, Bento has unveiled a 27-man squad featuring key reinforcements, including four newly naturalized players: Caio Lucas and Luan Pereira from Sharjah, Jonatas Santos from Al Wasl, and Alaa Al-Din Zuhair from Al Wahda. Their inclusion is expected to inject fresh energy into all areas of the team. The naturalization of Latin American and African players has been a successful strategy in the Persian Gulf nations, with Qatar being a prime example of its effectiveness.

Squad Reinforcements and Key Returns

For the UAE, key players returning to the squad include Sharjah goalkeeper Khalid Tawhid and Shabab Al Ahli striker Sultan Adel, both of whom have recovered from long-term injuries. Additionally, Al Jazira’s Abdullah Ramadan makes his comeback, providing Bento with more options in midfield.

One of the most anticipated additions is Brazilian-born forward Caio Lucas, whose long-awaited call-up could be a game-changer for the UAE’s attacking strategy. The UAE has struggled to convert chances in previous qualifiers, making Lucas’ clinical finishing and creativity crucial. His impressive record this season—20 goals and seven assists in 30 matches for Sharjah—highlights his ability to make a significant impact.

Lucas, who initially joined Al Ain in 2016 before moving to Benfica and later Sharjah, has built a reputation as a versatile forward with a sharp eye for goal. His recent performances in the AFC Champions League and domestic competitions demonstrate his ability to perform under pressure. Speaking to Telecom Asia Sport, Lucas expressed his excitement about representing the UAE:

“This is an opportunity I have long awaited. The UAE has been my home for years, and I want to give back by helping the team in any way I can. I will do everything to make a difference in these crucial matches.”

Jonatas Santos (23), another Brazilian-born talent, joined Al Ain Club in January 2020 and, after several successful seasons, moved to Al Wasl on loan this season, where he has been in excellent form. His performances have made him one of Bento’s key attacking options for the upcoming matches.

Tunisian-Emirati defender Alaa Al-Din Zuhair (25), who joined Al Wahda Club in 2020, has earned a regular starting position. Known for his defensive strength and ability to contribute goals from set-pieces, Zuhair’s inclusion aims to address defensive gaps that have cost the UAE crucial goals in recent matches.

Brazilian-Emirati midfielder Luan Pereira (24) has played for Sharjah Club for five seasons and is thrilled to be part of the national team. His performances this season—31 appearances, nine goals, and nine assists—have cemented his status as a key playmaker for both club and country.

A Must-Win Scenario for the UAE

Currently third in the group with 10 points from six matches, the UAE is in a fierce battle for direct qualification. They trail second-placed Uzbekistan by three points and hold a narrow lead over fourth-placed Qatar, making these upcoming fixtures decisive.

Iran, sitting comfortably at the top with 16 points, presents a formidable challenge. However, the UAE is determined to avenge their 1-0 loss in the first leg and secure a crucial victory to boost their qualification hopes. A win against Iran would not only close the gap but also provide momentum ahead of their showdown with North Korea—a team known for its resilience.

With everything on the line, Paulo Bento’s squad must deliver a performance worthy of their World Cup ambitions. Can the UAE rise to the occasion and stake its claim for a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup?

Head2Head

H / A / NMatchesWonDrawLostGoalsGoal Difference
H54104 – 0+4
A971115 – 4+11
N651010 – 1+9
Total20163129 – 5+24

Futsal Team called for Thailand Tournament

Iran, Kuwait and Russia have been confirmed as the opponents for the Thailand Futsal national team ahead of next month’s SAT Futsal Championship 2025.

Towards that, Thailand Futsal head coach Miguel Rodrigo has named a training squad of 22 players for the tournament slated for 9-12 April 2025 at the Terminal Hall, Terminal 21 Shopping Mall in Nakhon Ratchasima.

Thailand will take on Kuwait on 9 April 2025, Russia a day later and then Iran on 12 April 2025.

Iran squad has been announced today as follows:
Hossein Tayyibi – Moslim Oladghobad – Salar Aghapour – Mohammad Hossein Derakhshani – Mehdi Karimi – Masoud Yousef – Amir Hossein Davoudi – Behrouz Azimi – Mehdi Rostamiha – Hossein Sabzi – Mojtaba Parsapour – Amir Hossein Dehghani – Mohammad Hossein Baziar – Saeed Momeni – Amir Hossein Gholami – Sajjad Yousefkhah – Ali Akrami – Saeed Mombini – Abolfazl Afzali – Behzad Rasouli .

According to the announced program, the invited players are required to be available for the national team staff at the National Futsal Center.
Iran will face Russia on 9th April and will play Kuwait on April 10th, and the host Thailand on April 11. The camp will be held while Mahmoud Khorzachi, Mohammad Taheri and Kazem Sadeghi will replace Shahabuddin Sefalmanesh, Siamak Dadashi and Asghar Ghahramani in the national team’s coaching staff.

on the other hand, a new addition to Futsal Team Melli has been announced. Media reports suggest that 52-year-old coach Spanish coach David Ramos Barragán is expected to travel to Iran to finalize his contract with the federation. Barragan will be the assistant to Shamsaei.

In 2019, Ramos, while with Vina Albali Valdepeñas in Spain’s top futsal league, established himself as one of Europe’s prominent futsal coaches.

His collaboration with Vahid Shamsaei could enhance Iran’s national futsal team in both technical and tactical dimensions, marking a pivotal moment in the team’s preparation for upcoming competitions.

Additionally, Ramos has previously worked with Iranian futsal star Saeid Ahmad Abbasi for two years at Vina Albali.

More players invited to Team Melli camp.

Following the latest Persian Gulf League matches, Team Melli selectors have added seven more players to the current 21-man squad in camp.

According to the coaching staff, the newly invited players are as follows:

  • Goalkeepers: Alireza Beiranvand (Tractor), Seyed Hossein Hosseini (Esteghlal)
  • Defenders: Shoja Khalilzadeh (Tractor), Saleh Hardani (Esteghlal), Roozbeh Cheshmi (Esteghlal)
  • Midfielders: Amir Mohammad Razaghnia (Gol Gohar Sirjan)
  • Forwards: Amir Hossein Hosseinzadeh (Tractor)

The newly selected players will join the rest of the squad on Monday as preparations begin for the upcoming double-header against the UAE and Uzbekistan.

Perhaps the most notable inclusion among the new call-ups is 18-year-old Amir Mohammad Razaghnia. The talented midfielder has already made a name for himself at the youth level, having won the MVP award in a tournament held in Belarus. His selection signals a potential shift in head coach Amir Ghalenoei’s approach, showing a greater willingness to incorporate young talent into the national team setup.

However, the continued presence of Shoja Khalilzadeh in the squad suggests that Ghalenoei is not yet ready to part ways with his experienced core. While his selection brings valuable leadership and experience, it also highlights the ongoing balance between youth development and reliance on seasoned veterans within Team Melli.

Daniyal Eiri

Daniyal Eiri and Mohammad Khalifa Earn First National Team Call-Ups

Amir Ghalenoei has announced a 21-man squad for Iran’s upcoming Nowrooz 1404 matches against the UAE and Uzbekistan in the third round of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Among the call-ups, two 20-year-old talents—Daniyal Eiri and Mohammad Khalifa—have been invited to the national team camp for the first time.

Daniyal Eiri, a promising young defender, emerged from the Zob Ahan academy and played for the Isfahan-based club in the first half of the season. However, due to military service obligations, he transferred to Malavan Bandar Anzali for the second half of the campaign. His departure from Zob Ahan was controversial, as his strong performances led to public criticism from head coach Mohammad Rabiei and then-CEO Nima Nakisa. Despite their objections, Iri ultimately joined Malavan, where he has since become a key player under head coach Maziar Zare.

Eiri Reflects on His Journey and Team Melli Call-Up

In an interview with Mehr, Eiri shared his thoughts on his journey to the national team and his ambitions moving forward.

“I am very happy. From the start of pre-season training, I gave my all to improve and stay on the path to progress. When I officially heard about my national team invitation, I was overjoyed because I felt like I had achieved part of my goal. But I know that staying in the national team is even more important than being invited.”

He also expressed gratitude to those who have supported his development.

“First, I want to thank Zob Ahan for the opportunities they provided me. I also appreciate Coach Rabiei, who introduced me to professional football in Iran. Due to my circumstances, I moved to Malavan, where Coach Maziar Zare placed his trust in me. His support has played a major role in my journey, and I owe a lot to him.”

Eiri also acknowledged the national team staff for their confidence in him.

“I am grateful to Coach Ghalenoei and the entire coaching staff. It is a great honor to be in the same camp as some of Iran’s greatest footballers. But from today, my focus is on proving myself and earning my place in the squad so I can serve the national team and the people of Iran.”

On Malavan’s Performance and the loss against Persepolis.

Eiri also reflected on Malavan’s recent 2-0 loss to Persepolis.

“It was a tough match. We went in with the mindset of getting a result, and we played bravely. Persepolis is the reigning champion and a strong contender again this season, with high-quality players. If we had taken our chances better, we could have achieved a different outcome. Now, we must turn our attention to the next matches and continue Malavan’s strong performances this season.”

With his first national team call-up, Iri now has the opportunity to showcase his talent on a bigger stage. His determination and rapid development suggest he could play a crucial role in Iran’s future defensive lineup.
It is noted that along with Amin Hezbavi and Arya Yousefi, Iri competes a trio of young talented defenders that is going to taken over the aging and vulnerable Team Melli defensive line.