Tag: Mehdi Taremi

 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.

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.

Statistics: Mehdi Taremi

Mehdi Taremi’s statistics speak volumes about his value to Team Melli. A key player who has consistently delivered over the years, Taremi’s contributions were particularly significant during the 2024 season, where his goals made a substantial impact. Despite his risky move to Inter Milan in Serie A, where he struggled to secure a spot in the starting lineup, his modest club performance amidst stiff competition from world-class players did not significantly affect his performance at the national team level. As the highest scorer and top assist provider for Team Melli, Mehdi Taremi has proven to be an indispensable player for the team.

Many critics doubted Taremi’s readiness and ability to perform at the international level due to his limited playing time at the club. This skepticism was evident in a few matches with Team Melli, where he was wasteful and even missed a penalty. However, his determination and perseverance compensated for these setbacks, ensuring that his performance for Team Melli remained strong.

Mehdi Taremi’s goal tally ranks him third all-time, behind his mentor Ali Daei and teammate Sardar Azmoun. Since his debut in 2015, Taremi has scored 53 goals, solidifying his place among the greats of Iranian football.

The illustration below captures the essence of Taremi’s achievements and highlights his contributions to Team Melli’s success!

Mehdi Taremi Struggles as Inter Falls to Leverkusen in Champions League Clash

Inter Milan faced Bayer Leverkusen in a highly anticipated Round 6 UEFA Champions League match on Tuesday, December 10, at the BayArena. The game ended with a narrow 1-0 victory for the home team, marking Inter’s first defeat in the tournament this season. Iranian striker Mehdi Taremi, a summer free-transfer acquisition, was part of Inter’s starting lineup but was substituted in the 85th minute after another underwhelming performance.

A Night of Missed Opportunities

Mehdi Taremi’s performance has come under scrutiny, with Italian media voicing their disappointment. The reputable outlet Calciomercato summed up the game succinctly:

“Inter’s first defeat in the Champions League came by a small margin on Leverkusen’s home turf. Despite the setback, the loss is part of an otherwise strong campaign by Inzaghi’s side, who experimented with lineup changes. However, Taremi has yet to meet expectations, particularly in crucial matches like these.”

Inzaghi had expressed confidence in Taremi during a pre-match interview with Sky Sports, stating:

“He plays because he deserves it. He trains very well and understands the competition within the squad. Every time he’s played, he has shown quality.”

Yet on the pitch, Taremi failed to deliver. The former Porto forward, celebrated for his experience and scoring prowess, has struggled to replicate his success at Porto in Italy. Tuesday’s match was no different, as Taremi failed to register a single shot on target in his sixth Champions League start.

A Season Below Expectations

Since joining Inter, Taremi has scored only once in 16 appearances—a solitary goal against Red Star Belgrade in the Champions League. Expectations were high for the 31-year-old, whose transfer was seen as a strategic move to bolster Inter’s attack. However, his inability to impact games, particularly in high-stakes situations, has left fans and analysts questioning his place in the squad.

Social media criticism has intensified following the defeat against Leverkusen, with a section of the fanbase expressing frustration over Taremi’s lack of productivity. In Serie A, his opportunities have been limited; he has started only once this season, playing second fiddle to Lautaro Martínez and Marcus Thuram.

A Hard-Working but Struggling Player

To his credit, Taremi’s work ethic on the field remains commendable. The matches he has started have often been challenging fixtures, where the pressure to deliver is immense. Despite his struggles, Inzaghi has reiterated his belief in Taremi’s abilities.

While his contributions so far have been described as “lackluster” rather than entirely negative, Taremi has yet to prove he can be a decisive player for Inter. The season is far from over, and the Iranian striker still has time to turn things around. However, patience among fans is wearing thin, and his current trajectory leaves much to be desired.

A Chance for Redemption

Inter’s campaign in both domestic and European competitions continues, providing Taremi with opportunities to silence his critics. Whether he can rise to the occasion and become the impactful player Inter envisioned remains to be seen. For now, the final verdict on his season is on hold, but the clock is ticking for Taremi to demonstrate his worth in an Inter jersey.

Team Melli continue its winning run with another close victory.

Bishkek: Iran had to dig deep to overcome Kyrgyz Republic 3-2 in their AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26 Group A clash on Tuesday to move closer to a place in the FIFA World Cup 26 Finals.

Leading 2-0 at the break, Iran had to withstand a Kyrgyz Republic fightback in the second half before Sardar Azmoun struck the winner to take them to 16 points as they stayed three clear at the top.

Iran head coach Amir Ghalenoei opted for Hossein Kanani to partner Ali Nemati in the heart of defence in place of the suspended Shojae Khalilzadeh as his side made a confident start to the game.

They took the lead after only 12 minutes, Saied Ezatolahi’s header from a corner kick was saved by Erzhan Tokotaev, only for the rebound to fall kindly for Mehdi Taremi to slam home.

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Kyrgyz Republic did have a sustained period of possession after that but without much threat with Joel Kojo being tightly marked by the Iranian defense.

The visitors turned a defensive situation to their advantage in the 33rd minute when they broke after a Kyrgyz Republic corner kick with Azmoun releasing Saleh Hardani, with the experienced defender coolly slotting home past Tokotaev.

Kyrgyz Republic head coach Maksim Lisitsyn rang in the changes for the second half with Beknaz Almazbekov and Erbol Atabaev replacing Gulzhigit Alykulov and Kai Merk respectively, a tactic that paid quick dividends.

Almazbekov’s cross cum shot in the 50th minute had Alireza Beiranvand tracking back to tip over and from the ensuing corner kick, the home side pulled a goal back through Kojo’s header.

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Lifted by the goal, Kyrgyz Republic poured men forward and drew level in the  64th minute when Odilzhon Abdurakhmanov was fouled in the box with Kojo stepping up to send his penalty past Beiranvand.

Seeing his side being put under intense pressure, Ghalenoei responded with Roozbeh Cheshmi, Mohammad Ghorbani, Mehdi Ghayedi and Omid Norafkan coming on for Ezatolahi, Seyed Karimi, Ali Gholizadeh and Hardani.

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The moment of quality Iran were seeking finally came in the 76th minute from a Milad Mohammadi cross that was met with a thumping header by Azmoun to secure Iran’s fifth win. 

Iran will meet the United Arab Emirates when the AFC Asian Qualifiers resume in March with Kyrgyz Republic to take on Uzbekistan

Disciplinary record under Amir Ghalenoei

Amir Ghalenoei’s Tenure: A Tale of Success and Disciplinary Challenges

Since his appointment as the head coach of Team Melli, Amir Ghalenoei has achieved remarkable success, guiding the team to numerous victories. Under his leadership, Iran advanced deep into the AFC Asian Cup, eliminating powerhouses like Japan. However, a heartbreaking loss to Qatar in the semifinals dashed their title hopes, despite Iran being the favorites. In that tournament, Jordan had surprisingly eliminated South Korea, paving what seemed like a clear path for Iran to the final.

Disciplinary Issues: A Stain on an Otherwise Impressive Record

While Ghalenoei’s tenure has been marked by success on the pitch, a significant issue undermines his accomplishments: Team Melli’s poor disciplinary record. Under his leadership, the team has amassed 47 yellow cards and 5 red cards, resulting in a staggering total of 52 cards distributed across 25 players. This alarming statistic raises concerns about the players’ professionalism, self-control, and the coach’s ability to instill discipline.

A considerable number of these cards were avoidable, stemming from reckless challenges, moments of petulance, and a lack of composure under pressure. Such behavior reflects poorly on the team’s discipline and undermines the hard work put into achieving victories.

The Need for Immediate Action

Ghalenoei faces a pressing challenge to address this persistent issue. Discipline on the pitch is not merely a matter of avoiding cards; it is about setting a professional standard that ensures players remain focused and composed, especially during high-stakes matches.

Failure to tackle this problem could have severe consequences for Team Melli, including:

  1. Player Suspensions
    Accumulated cards and unnecessary red cards lead to key players being unavailable for critical matches, potentially affecting results.
  2. Team Reputation
    Poor discipline tarnishes the image of Team Melli, portraying them as unprofessional and prone to unnecessary confrontations.
  3. Lost Opportunities
    Matches can be lost or momentum disrupted due to players being sent off or suspended, a luxury no team can afford in competitive tournaments.

The Path Forward

To cement his legacy as one of Team Melli’s successful coaches, Ghalenoei must prioritize instilling discipline within the squad. Here are some steps that can help address the issue:

  1. Focused Training
    Conduct workshops and sessions emphasizing professionalism, self-control, and the consequences of reckless behavior on the pitch.
  2. Tactical Adjustments
    Address defensive lapses or tactical setups that leave players vulnerable to fouls, reducing the need for desperate challenges.
  3. Accountability Measures
    Implement strict accountability for unnecessary cards, ensuring players understand the impact of their actions on the team.
  4. Psychological Support
    Provide players with access to sports psychologists to help manage pressure, frustration, and impulsive behavior during matches.

Conclusion

Amir Ghalenoei’s tenure as Team Melli’s head coach has been largely successful, but the disciplinary issues facing the team are a glaring weakness that cannot be ignored. By addressing these challenges, Ghalenoei has the opportunity to lead Iran to even greater heights, ensuring that their on-pitch brilliance is not overshadowed by moments of indiscipline. The responsibility lies with him to instill a culture of professionalism and control, safeguarding the team’s success in the long run.

The full disciplinary records :

Here’s the data formatted as a clean, structured table:

PlayerYellow CardsRed Cards
Ansarifard10
Asadi20
Azmoun10
Beiranvand30
Cheshmi20
Daneshgar10
Ezatolahi20
Fallah10
Ghaedi10
Ghoddos20
Hajsafi20
Hardani11
Hosseini10
Jahanbakhsh20
Kanani-Zadegan81
Karimi10
Khalilzadeh32
Moghanlou10
Mohammadi10
Moharrami10
Mohebbi10
Pouraligangi10
Rezaeian30
Taremi41
Yousefi10
Total475

RED CARDS
Shoja’a KHALILZADEH ; 2024-11-01 vs. Korea DPR
Saleh HARDANI; 2024-10-10 vs Uzbekistan
Shoja’a KHALILZADEH ; 2024-02-07 vs. Qatar
Mehdi TAREMI ; 2024-01-31 vs. Syria
Hossein KANANI-ZADEGAN; 2023-06-20 vs. Uzbekistan

YELLOW CARDS

PlayerLastNameDateOpponent
YOUSEFI2024-11-01Korea DPR
AZMOUN2024-10-15Qatar
MOHEBI2024-10-15Qatar
GHAEDI2024-10-15Qatar
GHODDOS2024-10-10Uzbekistan
BEIRANVAND2024-09-10UAE
GHODDOS2024-09-10UAE
JAHANBAKHSH2024-09-10UAE
MOHAMMADI2024-09-10UAE
KANANI-ZADEGAN2024-09-10UAE
HARDANI2024-06-11Uzbekistan
JAHANBAKHSH2024-06-06Hong Kong
REZAEIAN2024-03-26Turkmenistan
KANANI-ZADEGAN2024-03-26Turkmenistan
FALLAH2024-03-21Turkmenistan
HAJSAFI2024-02-07Qatar
TAREMI2024-01-31Syria
KHALILZADEH2024-01-31Syria
TAREMI2024-01-31Syria
EZATOLAHI2024-01-31Syria
BEIRANVAND2024-01-31Syria
KANANI-ZADEGAN2024-01-23UAE
MOHARRAMI2024-01-23UAE
KANANI-ZADEGAN2024-01-14Palestine
HAJSAFI2024-01-05Burkina Faso
ANSARIFARD2024-01-05Burkina Faso
KARIMI2023-11-21Uzbekistan
KANANI-ZADEGAN2023-11-21Uzbekistan
KHALILZADEH2023-11-16Hong Kong
EZATOLAHI2023-10-17Qatar
BEIRANVAND2023-10-17Qatar
KHALILZADEH2023-10-13Jordan
KANANI-ZADEGAN2023-10-13Jordan
DANESHGAR2023-09-07Bulgaria
MOGHANLOU2023-09-07Bulgaria
POURALIGANJI2023-09-07Bulgaria
TAREMI2023-06-20Uzbekistan
REZAEIAN2023-06-20Uzbekistan
KANANI-ZADEGAN2023-06-20Uzbekistan
KANANI-ZADEGAN2023-06-20Uzbekistan
CHESHMI2023-06-16Kyrgyzstan
REZAEIAN2023-06-16Kyrgyzstan
KANANI-ZADEGAN2023-06-20 Uzbekistan
KANANI-ZADEGAN2023-06-20 Uzbekistan
TAREMI2023-06-20 Uzbekistan
CHESHMI 2023-06-16Kyrgyzstan
REZAEIAN2023-06-16Kyrgyzstan
HOSSEINI2023-06-16Afghanistan
ASADI2023-06-16Afghanistan
CHESHMI2023-03-28Kenya
ASADI2023-03-28Kenya
TAREMI2023-03-23Russia

The Tale of Two Halves: Team Melli’s Victory Over North Korea

Team Melli triumphed over North Korea on Thursday, solidifying its position at the top of the group. With this 3-2 win, the Iranian team opened a three-point lead over Uzbekistan and a six-point cushion over third-place UAE. However, the victory was a tale of two contrasting halves—one showcasing Team Melli’s dominance and another marred by a collapse in discipline and defensive frailty.

A Dominant First Half

Despite the challenges posed by a rough and uneven pitch, Team Melli began with a commanding display. Within the first ten minutes, Iran launched six attempts on goal, keeping the North Koreans on the back foot. Mehdi Ghayedi opened the scoring, and Mohammad Mohebbi added two more goals, assisted brilliantly by Mehdi Taremi, who seemed unstoppable. By halftime, Iran held a comfortable 3-0 lead, and fans expected more of the same in the second half.

Second-Half Collapse: A Familiar Story

The second half painted a different picture as Iran’s perennial struggle with discipline and defensive coordination resurfaced. The self-inflicted wounds began early, leading to a near-collapse that could have cost them the match.

Shojaa Khalilzadeh’s Red Card
Shojaa Khalilzadeh, the oldest player in the squad at nearly 35, proved to be a liability. His lack of pace was exposed once again, reminiscent of his costly foul against Qatar’s Akram Afif in the 2019 Asian Cup semifinal. Against North Korea, Khalilzadeh’s inability to keep up with a faster opponent resulted in another red card. This selection error raised serious questions about head coach Amir Ghalenoei’s tactical analysis. Despite claims of thorough preparation, the coaching staff failed to anticipate the Koreans’ speed and agility, leaving the Iranian defense vulnerable.

Taremi’s Nightmare Half
While Taremi shone in the first half with three assists, his second half was disastrous. It began with an own goal, as he deflected the ball into Iran’s net from an ill-advised position. Minutes later, Sardar Azmoun’s botched clearance ricocheted off a Korean forward, leading to North Korea’s second goal. Adding to the defensive woes, Mohammad Hossein Kananizadegan’s error—failing to clear a simple ball—further destabilized the backline.

At 3-2, the threat of a North Korean equalizer loomed large with half an hour to go and one man down. The Koreans pressed relentlessly, hitting the woodwork twice and missing numerous chances. Iran’s fragile defense was exposed repeatedly, leaving fans on edge.

Penalty Drama
Iran was awarded a penalty after a VAR review, offering a chance to regain control. Azmoun, not known for his penalty-taking prowess, handed the responsibility to Taremi. However, Taremi’s weak attempt was easily saved, capping off his miserable second half.

What Did We Learn?

The match underscored familiar issues with Team Melli. While they are capable of brilliance, moments of indiscipline and defensive lapses continue to plague the team. Ghalenoei faces significant challenges in addressing these weaknesses:

  1. Defensive Fragility
    The defense’s inability to handle pacey opponents remains a glaring issue. Khalilzadeh’s inclusion despite his age and lack of speed highlights the need for better player selection and tactical adjustments.
  2. Midfield Shortcomings
    Iran’s midfield lacks cohesion and fails to bridge the gap between attack and defense. This imbalance often leaves the defense exposed and contributes to second-half collapses.
  3. Player Discipline
    Taremi’s erratic performance and Azmoun’s unconvincing display emphasize the need for psychological coaching and tactical discipline, especially in high-pressure moments.

Moving Forward

While Team Melli managed to secure a victory, the match exposed vulnerabilities that could be exploited by stronger teams. Ghalenoei must instill discipline and address defensive frailties if Iran hopes to succeed against tougher opponents. Additionally, players like Taremi and Azmoun need to be more consistent and composed to avoid costly errors.

As for Taremi, his performance against North Korea was a mixed bag. While his first-half brilliance was crucial to Iran’s lead, his second-half errors could have undone all the good work. Counseling and support may help him regain confidence, especially with high expectations from both fans and his club, Inter Milan.

In the end, Team Melli survived a scare and held on to their lead. However, this match serves as a reminder of the need for better preparation, discipline, and adaptability to sustain success on the international stage.

Iran Edges Out North Korea 3-2 in World Cup Qualifier

In a thrilling showdown on November 14, Iran defeated North Korea 3-2 in their fifth Group A match of the third Asian qualifying round for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The match took place at Vientiane’s New National Stadium in Laos.

Iran adopted a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Sardar Azmoun as the lead striker and Mehdi Taremi supporting just behind him. Ehsan Ghaeydi and Sadegh Mohebbi played on the left and right flanks, respectively, while Saeid Ezatollahi and Ali Karimi took on defensive midfield roles. The back line featured Rouzbeh Cheshmi and Shoja Khalilzadeh as central defenders, with Omid Mohammadi and Mohammad Youssefi positioned as left and right fullbacks. Alireza Beiranvand guarded the goal.

North Korea, in a 4-4-2 formation, had forwards Han Kwang-sung and Ri Jo-guk leading their attack. Kang Kook-chul anchored the midfield with support from Choi Joo-sung and Baek Chung-sung on the flanks. The defensive lineup included Kim Beom-hyuk and Choi Ok-chul as fullbacks, with Kim Yu-sung and Jang Kook-chul as central defenders. Kang Joo-hyuk stood as the goalkeeper.

First Half: Iran’s Dominance

Iran dominated the first half, applying consistent pressure that eventually yielded their opening goal. In the 28th minute, Taremi threaded a perfect pass into the box for Ghaeydi, who fired a right-footed shot past the North Korean keeper.

Iran’s offense continued to press, and in the 40th minute, Mohebbi doubled the lead with a powerful strike from the edge of the penalty area. Just before the halftime whistle, Taremi found Mohebbi again, threading a pass behind the North Korean defense. Mohebbi calmly slotted the ball home, putting Iran up 3-0 and completing Taremi’s hat-trick of assists.

Second Half: A Shift in Momentum

A crucial turning point came early in the second half. Iran’s Khalilzadeh was shown a red card in the 50th minute for a last-man foul on a North Korean forward charging towards goal. This forced Iran to play with ten men, and North Korea quickly capitalized on their numerical advantage.

In the 55th minute, a North Korean corner led to a chaotic scramble in Iran’s penalty area, resulting in an own goal by Taremi. Just three minutes later, North Korea’s Kim Yoo-sung took advantage of Iran’s disrupted defense, slotting a shot into the bottom left corner, narrowing Iran’s lead to 3-2.

Iran’s Defensive Stand

Sensing North Korea’s momentum, Iran shifted focus to defend their lead, substituting key attacking players, including Taremi, Azmoun, and Ghaeydi, to stabilize the backline. Despite North Korea’s relentless attempts to equalize, Iran held firm, demonstrating late-game concentration to secure the 3-2 victory.

Group A Standings

With this win, Iran remains at the top of Group A, boasting four wins and one draw (13 points) in five matches in the third qualifying round. North Korea, meanwhile, sits at the bottom of the group, with two draws and three losses (2 points).

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.