Tag: Amir Ghalenoei

 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.”

Alireza Jahanbaksh heading against Hunt of UAE

Iran v. Uzbekistan: Match Review

Team Melli needs only a draw against Uzbekistan at the Azadi Stadium in Tehran on Tuesday to secure a spot at the 2026 World Cup, joining Japan as confirmed qualifiers.

Iran, aiming for their fourth consecutive World Cup appearance, leads Uzbekistan by three points in Group A and holds a nine-point advantage over the United Arab Emirates with three matches remaining.

In what is arguably the toughest test of their qualification campaign, Iran appears to be the slight favorite in this top-of-the-table clash. With a convincing win against the UAE and a stable squad with minimal changes to the lineup, Ghalenoei’s men are confident. Barring any major lapses in concentration or individual errors, Team Melli should secure their ticket to North America next year.

Meanwhile, Uzbekistan endured a challenging match in the previous round, narrowly defeating Kyrgyzstan. The team also suffered the departure of long-time head coach Srečko Katanec, who resigned due to health issues. His replacement, Timur Kapadze, is no stranger to Iranian football, having played multiple matches against Team Melli during his career.

Iran’s head coach Amir Ghalenoei expressed pride in his team’s performance following their 2-0 victory over the UAE and urged his players to complete their qualification mission ahead of schedule.

Even in the event of a loss, Iran could still qualify if the UAE and Qatar drop points in their respective matches.

For Uzbekistan, this match presents a significant opportunity. If they win and both the UAE and Qatar fail to secure victories, they will qualify for the World Cup. A draw could also be enough if both the UAE and Qatar lose their matches.

Team News

Uzbekistan faces squad challenges, with three players potentially missing the match:

  • Husniddin Alikulov (Rizespor, Turkey) is sidelined due to injury and also missed the match against Kyrgyzstan.
  • Jaloliddin Masharipov (Esteghlal) is suspended due to yellow card accumulation.
  • Oston Orunov, who missed the previous match, remains doubtful but could return to the lineup.

On the Iranian side, Saeid Ezzatollahi has returned to training after missing the UAE match due to injury. With his replacement, Cheshmi, now injured, the Shabab Al-Ahli midfielder may see playing time against Uzbekistan. Additionally, 32-year-old striker Mehdi Taremi remains a doubt for the game.

Pre-Match Insights

At a pre-match press conference, Uzbekistan head coach Timur Kapadze acknowledged the challenge ahead, stating:

“An exciting match awaits us. We know Iran’s strength and understand our own capabilities. We have prepared well, and everyone is ready for the game. We have met Iran several times in recent years and have gathered the necessary information to prepare accordingly.”

Kapadze refrained from comparing past and present Uzbek teams, emphasizing that the current squad represents the strongest generation available.

Regarding missing players, he commented:

“Both Masharipov and Orunov are important, but this is football. Others will step up in their place. Orunov had an injury, and we will assess his readiness. The rest of the squad is fit.”

Uzbek midfielder Abbosbek Fayzullayev (CSKA Moscow) echoed the team’s ambition:

“We are here to win and will give everything to achieve that result.”

Iranian head coach Amir Ghalenoei reflected on his experience in Tashkent, where he received medical assistance from Uzbekistan’s staff, expressing gratitude for their support.

“Uzbekistan has invested heavily in its youth development over the past decade, yielding excellent results. We recognize the challenge ahead.”

Regarding Uzbekistan’s tactical approach, he noted:

“They operate in a 3-4-3 formation and are result-oriented. We have analyzed their system and prepared accordingly. Our match against the UAE was one of our best statistically, and we hope to carry that momentum forward.”

Ghalenoei dismissed suggestions that Iran’s qualification is already assured:

“We have two more finals after this match. Every game is a final because it becomes part of history. Our motivation remains high for all upcoming fixtures.”

On Mehdi Taremi’s availability, he stated:

“His health is our priority. The medical team is assessing him, and we will decide on his participation closer to match time.”

Road to the World Cup

The top two teams from each of Asia’s three groups in the third phase of qualifying advance directly to the World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Teams finishing third and fourth will enter a fourth-round playoff in October.

Japan was the first nation to secure qualification last Thursday.

Iran and Uzbekistan have faced each other three times in the 2026 qualifiers, with all encounters ending in draws. This match will be pivotal in determining the fate of both teams in their journey to the World Cup.

Team Melli’s Mini-Training Camp Canceled Amid Speculations Over Player Selection

Team Melli’s proposed mini-training camp has been canceled at the request of league coaches, according to head coach Amir Ghalenoei. Speaking briefly to reporters during the Persepolis vs. Havadar match, Ghalenoei expressed regret for not elaborating further, citing illness due to the flu. He assured the media that a comprehensive press conference would be held soon to provide updates on Team Melli’s preparations for the FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers in March, where they are set to face the UAE and Uzbekistan.

In the meantime, Iranian football circles are abuzz with rumors surrounding a potential new addition to the national team—a 27-year-old Iranian-German striker, Yerai Eckert Ayensa, currently playing for the Belgian side Standard Liège. Reports suggest that Eckert is on the brink of receiving a call-up for Team Melli’s upcoming matches.

However, Eckert’s performance this season has raised questions about the merit of his potential inclusion. In 13 appearances for Standard Liège—12 starts and one substitute appearance—he has accumulated 1,060 minutes of playing time, registering just one goal against Charleroi and one assist against Saint-Truiden. Such modest statistics hardly make a compelling case for a national team selection, especially for a squad boasting one of the strongest attacking lineups in Asia, led by Sardar Azmoun and Mehdi Taremi.

Sayyadmanesh vs. Eckert: A Tale of Contrasting Performances

The speculation over Eckert’s call-up becomes even more puzzling when compared to the standout performances of Allahyar Sayyadmanesh, another Iranian player excelling in the same Belgian Pro League. The 22-year-old forward, who previously represented Team Melli, has been a consistent performer for Westerlo this season. By the 20th week of the league, Sayyadmanesh had featured in all 20 matches, contributing six goals and five assists—far surpassing Eckert’s output.

Despite his superior form and younger age, Sayyadmanesh appears to be overlooked by Ghalenoei, sparking debate about the rationale behind the rumored interest in Eckert. Both players are versatile, capable of playing as center forwards or wingers. However, at 27, Eckert is four years older than Sayyadmanesh, making the argument for youth and potential less convincing.

Transfer Value and Player Caliber

Another point of comparison is their market value. On Transfermarkt, Eckert is valued at €2.5 million, while Sayyadmanesh’s valuation stands at €4 million—a reflection of the latter’s higher standing in international football. While transfer value isn’t the sole determinant of a player’s worth to the national team, it offers an indicator of their performance and potential.

Given these considerations, the idea of inviting Eckert—whose current form is far from ideal—over Sayyadmanesh raises eyebrows. If there is no place for a proven, younger talent in Team Melli’s camp, what justifies the attention toward a player with less impressive statistics?

As Team Melli gears up for crucial World Cup qualifiers, such decisions will inevitably come under scrutiny. Fans and analysts alike will await Amir Ghalenoei’s forthcoming press conference for clarity on the direction and priorities of the national team.

Challenges Facing Team Melli and Iranian Football: A Deep Dive into Management, Performance, and Future Prospects

The dust has temporarily settled after the intense criticism that followed Team Melli’s 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Amir Ghalenoei, the national team coach, and the players found themselves under fire from the media, critics, and fans alike. This debate extended beyond football, touching on sensitive issues such as patriotism, loyalty, and politics. Social media is rife with claims that the current national team no longer represents the Iranian people, with a growing sentiment that it lacks widespread support.

There was also criticism within the team as Sardar Azmoun, the savior of Team Melli against Kyrgyzstan with a splendid winner, admitted that Team Melli lacks professional mentality after the match.

Discontent with Team Performance

A key source of dissatisfaction is Team Melli’s underwhelming performances, particularly in the second halves of matches. Both North Korea and Kyrgyzstan managed to score two goals each against Iran’s fragile defense, and only the woodwork prevented Korea from securing an equalizer. These second-half collapses have left many fans frustrated.

However, much of the criticism has been directed at Amir Ghalenoei himself. His appointment after Carlos Queiroz’s departure following the 2022 World Cup was controversial. Ghalenoei’s tenure has been marked by strained relations with critics and a lack of public rapport. Instead of addressing concerns about his defensive strategies with confidence, Ghalenoei has accused his detractors of unpatriotic behavior or personal grudges—an approach that has done little to calm tensions but much to turn the former Esteghlal player and coach into a hated figure.

Prominent Critics Speak Out

Ghalenoei’s critics include high-profile media figures and former Team Melli coaches. Jalal Cheragpour , former Team Melli coach, has openly stated that Ghalenoei is not up to the job and should be replaced before the next World Cup. TV anchor Javad Khiabani launched impassioned critiques, highlighting the lack of professionalism and etiquette among some national team players, which he deemed unfit for international representation.

Ebrahim Ghasempour, a member of Iran’s 1978 World Cup team, who played with legends such as Ghleechkhani, Hejazi, Rowshan, Parvin, has also weighed in on the broader issues afflicting Iranian football. He cited systemic failures in both club and national setups, emphasizing that the foundations of Iranian football are weak.

Systemic Issues in Iranian Football

Ghasempour pointed to poor management and the absence of proper infrastructure as critical challenges. “The backbone of our national team is our clubs, but they face a myriad of problems,” he explained. He criticized the performances of Iran’s premier clubs, Persepolis and Esteghlal, in recent Asian competitions, where they struggled against relatively weaker teams. Esteghlal, for example, failed to beat Al-Rayyan, a second-tier Qatari club.

The veteran footballer highlighted a troubling trend: Iran’s failure to achieve results in international competitions across all levels. From the senior national team’s empty-handed returns from the AFC Asian Cup to the U23 team’s failure to qualify for the Olympics, Iranian football has struggled to make a mark.

Mismanagement and Wasted Resources

According to Ghasempour, decades of mismanagement have left Iranian football stagnant. Clubs lack proper tools and infrastructure, despite significant financial resources flowing into the sport, mainly from the government. These funds are often misallocated or squandered. For example, grassroots development in clubs like Foolad Khuzestan and Sepahan exists in name only, as few academy graduates are promoted to senior teams.

This lack of a pipeline has also affected Esteghlal and Persepolis, Iran’s most popular clubs. Despite their large fan bases, these teams rarely field players from their own academies. Instead, they spend billions of tomans on player salaries without seeing a proportional return on investment.

Ghasempour lamented the poor quality of players and astronomical wages, stating, “A player earning 40 or 50 billion tomans often lacks basic skills, like passing accurately to a teammate. These contracts need serious scrutiny.”

The Path Forward

Ghasempour believes the solution lies in overhauling football management at every level, from the Football Federation to local clubs. He called for competent skilled leaders with practical plans to take charge, rather than the current nepotistic system where posts are handed to relatives and close friends. “If we want to elevate Iranian football, we must start at the top,” he concluded. “Only then can we hope for real growth.”

Match preview: Kyrgyzstan vs Iran

Bishkek: Iran will expect to take another step towards sealing qualification when they play Kyrgyz Republic in Group A of the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26 on Tuesday.
Seeking a fourth consecutive and seventh overall appearance at the global showpiece, Iran holds a three-point lead at the summit, with the top two sides to qualify automatically for the Finals.

Despite a fightback from DPR Korea, Iran were deserved winners of their tie on Thursday after a dominant first half which saw them taking a 3-0 lead.
Head coach Amir Ghalenoei will want his side to avoid another nervous finish, which was sparked by Shojae Khalilzadeh’s 50th minute sending off.
“We have to be able to adapt to different situations. We managed to control the game through our substitutions and we must now shift our focus to the next game,” said Ghalenoei.

Kyrgyz Republic, appearing at this stage of the AFC Asian Qualifiers for the first time, only have three points on the board but remain in contention and will be determined to make home ground advantage count against Iran.
Maksim Lisitsyn’s lost 3-0 to United Arab Emirates on Thursday with the head coach attributing their heaviest defeat so far in the AFC Asian Qualifiers to mistakes of their own doing.
The Central Asian side were, however, a handful to their opponents in their earlier matches and will hope for a result against Iran, who were restricted to a 1-0 win when the sides met in September.
Kyrgyz Republic v IR Iran

Team Melli will be without Saman Ghoddos (injured) and Shoja’a Khalilzdeh (suspension). Mohammed Mohebbi will be doubtful and awaiting a fitness test.


Venue: Dolen Omurzakov Stadium (Bishkek)
Kick-off: 20:00 (UTC+6)

HEAD2HEAD

DateCompetitionScoreScorers
4th Jun 1997World Cup Qualifier7 – 0Farhad Majidi (2),Ali Mousavi , Ali Daei , Mehrdad Minavand , Karim Bagheri (2)
9th Jun 1997World Cup Qualifier3 – 1Khodada Azizi (2),Karim Bagheri
7th Jun 2016Friendly6 – 0Masoud Shojaei ,Mehdi Taremi ,Mehdi Torabi , Karim Ansarifard (2), Sardar Azmoun (1)
16th Jun 2023CAFA Nations Cup5 – 1Mehdi Taremi (3), Sardar Aazmoun (2)
5th Sep 2024World Cup Qualifier1 – 0Mehdi Taremi

North Korea’s last attempy to seek qualifcation.

Vientiane: Iran will face DPR Korea in Group A of the Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26 knowing that victory will almost surely secure their ticket to the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Iran, on 10 points, lead the standings ahead of Uzbekistan on goal difference with both sitting six clear of the United Arab Emirates and Qatar after just four matches. 

Seeking a fourth consecutive appearance at the FIFA World Cup and seventh overall, Iran’s qualification campaign has been serene.

The opening two matchdays saw the Central Asian side registering 1-0 wins over Kyrgyz Republic and UAE, with a tough 0-0 draw with Uzbekistan following.

Iran, however, were at their scorching best against Qatar on Matchday Four as they cruised to an emphatic 4-1 win and with their key players all available, they will fancy their chances against DPR Korea in the neutral venue of Vientiane.

“We are well aware that we have a tough game. The Korean team has a strong defense. They also work very well and quickly in attacks. In this game, we have to go to the field with more focus and responsibility than in the previous matches. We got a good result in the last two games, but those two matches are history now,” Ghalenoei said.

The Team Melli coach says that the match against North Korea and Kyrgyzstan are “the most important” matches of the national team.

“We must play with high concentration from the first minute to the 90th minute. We have analyzed North Korea and we know how strong they are. Even in the match against Uzbekistan, where they lost, or in the match against the UAE, where they shared the spoils, they could have won the match, so we must face this opponent with full attention,” he added.

Asked his is there any challenge ahead of Iran football team against the Korean team, Ghalenoei said, “Fortunately, we don’t have any special challenge ahead of us and the players are ready to play. I have to thank the Iran Football Federation, because we traveled to Laos by direct flight, otherwise it would endure a 30-hour trip.

 However, the truth of the game is when the referee blows the whistle to start the game, and I hope that the players of the national team will start and finish their work in this match with the same concentration they had in the game against Qatar and use the opportunities effectively.

In response to the question about the history of matches between two teams, North Korea have always been a difficult opponent, Ghalenoei said, “Football in Asia has progressed and you can see this in the World Cup qualifiers. North Korea have also shown that they are a good team with a plan, and their past results prove this. The matches against North Korea and Kyrgyzstan are our most important matches and we want to do our best to secure our berth in the World Cup.”.

While DPR Korea still have a mathematical chance of securing one of the two top spots which will guarantee automatic qualification, they will need to win their remaining matches and hope other results go in their favour.

With just two points on the board, victory is a must against Iran and DPR Korea can be expected to produce their best as they strive to keep their campaign alive. 

DPR Korea v IR Iran

Venue: Lao National Stadium KM16 (Vientiane)

Kick-off: Thursday, 19:00 (UTC+7)

Ghalenoei’s Outburst: A Coach’s Unusual Rant Against Critics

Following Team Melli’s emphatic victory against Qatar, head coach Amir Ghalenoei surprised many with a heated outburst, targeting his critics and demanding that Iran’s national broadcaster, IRIB, stop airing their opinions. His remarks, unusually severe even by his own standards, sparked widespread reactions across media outlets.

In the post-match press conference, Ghalenoei expressed his frustration, saying, “They [the critics] did not help the team. If you’re going to talk about someone, speak from your experience. Not everyone deserves a platform to criticize. It seems anyone with an issue against Amir Ghalenoei gets a voice on radio and television. Check these people’s resumes and compare them to mine.”

He went on to highlight his accomplishments: “I’m not just Amir Ghalenoei from the league. I’ve earned over a thousand points coaching various teams, not just one. I’ve taken responsibility for teams that were struggling both financially and in terms of scheduling. For example, Sepahan, a club I’m proud of, was 14th in the table when I took over, and we achieved great results on a minimal budget.”

He continued by mentioning his time with Tractor Sazi, where he led the team to its first-ever qualification for the AFC Champions League, which he considers one of his proudest achievements. Ghalenoei also highlighted his success with Esteghlal, his boyhood club. Wrapping up his speech, he addressed IRIB officials directly: “Team Melli and I are not without flaws. Criticize us, but don’t hold grudges. Some people are given a platform to criticize, not based on merit, but out of past grievances. One day I’ll respond to all of them, but for now, I must stay silent due to my position. Mr. Taj has also asked me to remain calm, but the day will come when I answer them all.”

While coaches often feel targeted by criticism, believing that dissent is a personal attack, Ghalenoei’s remarks crossed a line by calling for national media censorship. His demand that IRIB, Iran’s only authorized television and radio network, silence his critics struck many as authoritarian.

The backlash was swift. Javad Khiabani, a veteran broadcaster and respected authority on Team Melli, was one of the most outspoken critics. Khiabani condemned Ghalenoei’s arrogance and accused him of attempting to stifle free speech and the press’s role in providing objective analysis. He reminded Ghalenoei that journalism’s duty is to scrutinize and hold those in power accountable. “Ghalenoei acts as though he is beyond criticism, but his resume, despite his boasting, is lacking in international success,” Khiabani pointed out. “Beating Qatar is not an achievement to be proud of like defeating world champions, France or Brazil. Ghalenoei has twice failed to win the AFC Asian Cup as Iran’s coach and has yet to qualify for the World Cup, something an Iranian coach achieved decades ago with far fewer resources and fewer finalist (16 teams).”

Khiabani further criticized Ghalenoei for trying to dictate the terms of criticism, a job that rightly belongs to journalists. He emphasized that no coach should be immune from analysis, especially when leading the national team.

Ghalenoei’s tirade reveals a deep-seated insecurity and fear of criticism, suggesting a lack of confidence in his own abilities. His unreasonable demand for IRIB to suppress negative opinions is unlikely to be entertained by the authorities, and it may only amplify the voices of his critics. By lashing out at the media, Ghalenoei has likely emboldened his detractors, who will now scrutinize every aspect of his leadership, from player selections to tactics.

In the end, Ghalenoei’s rant may have done more harm than good, intensifying the spotlight on his tenure and raising questions about his ability to handle the pressures of leading Team Melli.

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.

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.

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