Tag: Rashid Stadium

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rashid Stadium, Dubai will host Iran vs Qatar game.

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has announced that Rashid Stadium in Dubai, UAE, will host Iran’s home match against Qatar on October 15. This match is part of the fourth round of the third stage of the Asian qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup, which will be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

According to the AFC’s official website, the match will kick off at 7:00 pm Doha time. The decision to relocate the match from its original venue, Imam Reza Stadium in Mashhad, Iran, was made due to the current geopolitical situation, necessitating a neutral ground for the fixture.

Dubai, known for its significant Iranian diaspora, offers a familiar environment for Team Melli. The city’s Rashid Stadium, home to Shabab Al-Ahli, where Iranian stars Sardar Azmoun and Saeid Ezatollahi play, is expected to provide a supportive atmosphere for the Iranian team. This relocation not only ensures the safety of the players and fans but also maintains the competitive integrity of the qualifiers.

The match is highly anticipated, as both Iran and Qatar are strong contenders in the Asian qualifiers. Fans from both nations are expected to turn out in large numbers, making it a vibrant and exciting event.

Team Melli landed in Dubai this evening after a flight from Tashkent, via Tehran for re-fueling and then Dubai.

Iran will be without 2 players due to injury, Jalali and Kannani and two due to suspension, Hardani and Saman Ghoddos.