A Lost Opportunity for Tactical Growth—And a Glaring Leadership Problem

Team Melli entered their match against Qatar with the luxury of already securing World Cup qualification, freeing them from the weight of immediate consequences. Qatar, on the other hand, fought desperately for three points at home to keep their fading hopes alive. The contrast in motivation was obvious—to fans, analysts, and, most importantly, to Amir Ghalenoei and his bloated technical staff. Yet, despite their numbers, Iran’s coaching team once again proved ineffective in navigating adversity.

Given the circumstances, this match should have been an ideal test of tactical discipline. A chance to refine defensive resilience against an aggressive opponent, to dictate tempo through possession, and to apply psychological pressure on a vulnerable Qatar side. Instead, Iran unraveled, culminating in Milad Mohammadi’s inexcusable 31st-minute dismissal.

Mohammadi’s red card was not just a momentary lapse; it was a damning indictment of Team Melli’s recurring mental frailties. A 31-year-old veteran with 70 caps and experience across European leagues (Russia, Belgium, Greece, Turkey) should know better than to earn a second yellow just two minutes after his first—especially for a needless foul near midfield. Petulance and lack of intelligence overshadowed professionalism, and once again, Iran’s lack of discipline cost them.

Ghalenoei, predictably, blamed the red card for derailing Iran’s plans on top of the two childish mistakes of Mohammadi and Beiranvand, conceding the goal. But such excuses ring hollow. Even before Mohammadi’s dismissal, Iran looked disjointed, unable to create chances or impose any coherent strategy. Taremi was disappointing, the rest were underwhelming. The truth is, this has been a persistent issue under Ghalenoei, regardless of personnel or match context.

After every setback, the head coach deflects. This time, he targeted the referee, claiming poor officiating “unsettled” his team. Yet the real issue isn’t a single official’s decisions, it’s Ghalenoei’s inability to elevate this squad beyond its flaws. Iran’s player pool is among Asia’s strongest, brimming with European-based veterans and emerging talents. But under his rigid, risk-averse leadership, the team stagnates, lacking creativity and adaptability.

The question isn’t whether Ghalenoei is out of his depth, as his struggles against Asian opponents have already answered that. The real issue is why decision-makers persist with him ahead of the World Cup. If he can’t outmaneuver regional rivals, how can he possibly compete with the world’s elite?

Blind faith won’t propel Iran past the group stage; a tactical overhaul might. But time is running out.

Team Melli defeated in Doha.

Doha: Qatar kept their FIFA World Cup qualification hopes alive on Thursday as Pedro Correia scored the only goal in a 1-0 win over the 10 men of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Doha to confirm his side’s progress to the playoffs of the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26.

The back-to-back AFC Asian Cup™ champions made the most of Milad Mohammadi’s 35th minute sending off to secure a win against the already-qualified Iranians as Qatar moved into fourth place in Group A and advance to the playoffs, where an additional two slots to the FIFA World Cup 2026 will be at stake.

Correia netted in the 41st minute and victory in Julien Lopetegui’s first game in charge takes the Qataris onto 13 points from nine games and leaves the 2022 FIFA World Cup hosts a point behind the United Arab Emirates with Tuesday’s clash with Uzbekistan remaining.

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The Iranians went into the game having confirmed their progress to a seventh FIFA World Cup in March and Saeid Ezatolahi twice tested Meshaal Barsham inside the first 10 minutes, the goalkeeper dealing with both efforts as the visitors started the game on the front foot.

It took Qatar time to settle and Ahmed Al Ganehi hit a rising shot over the bar in the 17th minute at the end of a fluent move that had seen Edmilson Junior find Almoez Ali in the area, allowing the AFC Asian Cup winner to lay off possession to his team mate.

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Two quick yellow cards in succession saw Iranian defender Mohammadi sent off, the veteran dismissed with more than 10 minutes remaining in the first half for a clumsy challenge on Edmilson Junior that saw him fly into the back of the Belgium-born winger.

Alireza Beiranvand was at full stretch to keep out Akram Afif’s low effort from the edge of the area soon after Mohammadi was dismissed and, with four minutes left in the half, the Iranian goalkeeper was beaten as Qatar took the lead.

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Karim Boudiaf clipped the ball into the penalty area for Correia and the persistent full-back slotted past Beiranvand from close range at the second attempt after the goalkeeper had saved his initial header from close range.

Group A: Qatar v IR Iran

Roozbeh Cheshmi had a sight of goal for the Iranians midway through the half as he nodded Saman Ghoddos’ cross wide of Barsham’s goal in a reminder to the Qataris of the threat their visitors presented despite being a man down.

But Qatar held on to take the three points to maintain their FIFA World Cup qualifying dream by handing the Iranians their first defeat of the third phase of the preliminaries.

Mehdi Gahedi out of the squad

Mehdi Ghaedi will miss Iran’s upcoming matches against Qatar and North Korea after sustaining an injury during training. According to ISNA, the winger left the session in Doha after straining his left calf muscle.

Team medical staff confirmed that further tests will be conducted within the next 24 hours, but initial assessments suggest Ghaedi will require three weeks to recover. Following the injury, assistant coach Nasrollah Abdollahi consoled Ghaedi, spending several minutes by his side.

Ghaedi’s absence adds to Iran’s growing injury concerns, as Sardar Azmoun , Alireza Jahanbakhsh, Mohammad Mohebi, Ali Gholizadeh, and Seyyed Majid Hosseini had already been ruled out of the two matches

Familiar Foes Clash Again: Iran and Qatar Set for Crucial World Cup Qualifier

Iran and Qatar, two regional rivals with a long history, are set to face off once again in a high-stakes World Cup qualifier. The two sides have met on 27 previous occasions, with Iran holding a commanding edge in the head-to-head record. Like many other Persian Gulf teams, Qatar has often found itself on the losing end against Team Melli, although there have been exceptions.

The reigning AFC Asian Cup champions, Qatar have occasionally proven a stubborn challenge for Iran—most notably in their 3-2 victory during the semi-finals of the 2023 AFC Asian Cup. However, the Iranians have also handed the Maroons heavy defeats, including two emphatic 4-1 wins in their last five encounters.

This upcoming match promises to be fiercely competitive. For Qatar, it’s a do-or-die scenario. Sitting fourth in Group A, anything less than a win could mean practical elimination from the current phase of FIFA World Cup 2026™ qualifiers. The consequences would be severe: missing out on a playoff berth and dealing a serious blow to the nation’s football ambitions.

Acknowledging the gravity of the situation, the Qatar Football Association acted—albeit late—by appointing Julen Lopetegui as head coach. The former Spain and Real Madrid manager takes charge at a critical juncture. While direct qualification from this round is already out of reach, a third- or fourth-place finish would allow Qatar to progress to the playoff round. There, six teams will fight for two remaining spots at the World Cup, with one final berth available through the intercontinental FIFA Play-Off Tournament.

Mehdi Taremi

Iran, meanwhile, approaches the match with less pressure, having already secured progression. However, questions remain over head coach Amir Ghalenoei’s reluctance to refresh his squad. Despite constant public calls for generational change, it appears unlikely that Ghalenoei will seize this opportunity to give promising young players meaningful minutes.

In truth, Iran has delivered just one standout performance in the third round so far—and that came against this very Qatar side. The rest of their campaign has been marked by laborious victories and defensive lapses, with goalkeeping issues drawing particular criticism.

While fans should not expect a radically different lineup or tactical shift, there is hope that key players like Mehdi Taremi and Saman Ghoddos can produce moments of quality. Much is also expected of the dynamic Mehdi Ghayedi, and if given the opportunity, the domestic league’s top scorer, Amir Hossein Hosseinzadeh, could offer a much-needed spark. Both have enjoyed outstanding seasons and could inject creativity and energy into the attack.

Amir Hossein Hosseinzadeh

Iran will feel the absence of Sardar Azmoun, who remains sidelined. Nevertheless, despite an underwhelming season at Inter Milan, Taremi continues to be a potent attacking force and a constant threat to opposing defenses.

As the countdown to kickoff begins, the stakes could not be higher for Qatar—and the scrutiny on Iran’s tactical approach continues to grow. Fans will be watching closely, not just for the result, but for signs of real progress and long-overdue renewal within Team Melli.

HEAD2HEAD

Home/Away/NeutralTotal MatchesWDLGoalsGoal Diff.
H862022 – 517
A1693420 – 155
N33007 – 16
TOTAL27185449 – 2128
DateCompetitionH / A / NFinal scoreStadiumAttendance
15.10.2024World Cup QualifierH4 – 1Rashid Stadium, Dubai7890
07.02.2024Asian Cup / Semi-FinalsA2 – 3Al Thumama Stadium, Doha40342
17.10.2023Others / Jordan 4 asideN4 – 1Amman international stadium1500
31.12.2018FriendlyA2 – 1Khalifa Stadium, Doha50
23.03.2017World Cup QualifierA1 – 1Jassim bin Hamad, Doha 
01.09.2016World Cup QualifierH2 – 1Azadi Stadium, Tehran80000
15.01.2015Asian Cup / Group ‘C’N1 – 1Stadium Australia – Sydney22673
04.06.2013World Cup QualifierA1 – 1Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium , Doha11872
12.06.2012World Cup Qualifier / Round 4H0 – 0Azadi Stadium , Tehran80000
29.02.2012World Cup Qualifier / Round 3 – Group EH2 – 2Azadi Stadium , Tehran55000
06.09.2011World Cup Qualifier / Round 3 – Group EA1 – 1Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium , Doha8125
28.12.2010FriendlyA0 – 0Khalifa Stadium , Doha3000
28.12.2009Friendly / Qatar Intl. Friendly TournamentA2 – 3Suhaim Bin Hamad-Doha Qatar Stadium3000
09.11.2008FriendlyA1 – 1 Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium , Doha5000
11.08.2008WAFFH6 – 1Takhti Stadium , Tehran5000
10.01.2008FriendlyA0 – 0Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium , Doha2000
24.03.2007Friendly / FriendlyA1 – 1Thani bin Jassim Stadium, Doha7000
13.10.2004World Cup Qualifier / WCQA3 – 2Thani bin Jassim Stadium, Doha3000
18.02.2004World Cup Qualifier / WCQH3 – 2Azadi Stadium, Tehran0
08.04.2002Others / WAGN2 – 1Al Qadisiya Stadium, Kuwait City 
01.08.2001Friendly / FriendlyA1 – 2Khalifa International Stadium, Doha3000
27.09.2000FriendlyA2 -1Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium , Doha5000
07.11.1997World Cup Qualifier / WCQA0 – 2Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium , Doha20000
03.10.1997World Cup Qualifier / WCQH3 -1 Azadi Stadium, Tehran70000
01.06.1996Friendly / FriendlyA1 – 1Khalifa Stadium , Doha10000
17.05.1996FriendlyH2 – 1Takhti Stadium , Tabriz30000
02.12.1988Asian Cup / Group 1A2 – 1Hamad bin Khalifa Stadium , Doha20000

Ghalenoei’s Hollow Promises: Youth Movement Stalled as Old Guard Remains Untouchable

Despite repeated promises of ushering in a new generation, Iran national team head coach Amir Ghalenoei continues to sidestep meaningful reform—opting instead for symbolic gestures that give the illusion of change while clinging to the same aging core.

Ghalenoei’s public rhetoric has, for months, championed a “youth movement,” but the reality on the pitch tells a different story. While younger players have appeared on preliminary call-up lists, they are often omitted from final squads in favor of familiar veterans—regardless of form or fitness. This duplicity has not gone unnoticed by fans or players.

The growing frustration recently came to a head with the high-profile absence of Mehdi Torabi. The in-form midfielder refused to accept his latest call-up, reportedly disillusioned by what he and others see as a pattern of favoritism and empty words. Torabi has been outspoken about the hypocrisy of a coach who claims to value youth and meritocracy, yet repeatedly sidelines deserving players in favor of those entrenched in the system.

Iran’s average squad age at the 2022 World Cup was 28.9—the oldest among all participating nations. That figure barely budged in AFC Asian Cup 2023, with the average only falling to 28.6 under Ghalenoei. This stagnation has sparked increasing calls for a generational overhaul, particularly following Iran’s qualification for the 2026 World Cup after the 2-2 draw against Uzbekistan.

In the aftermath of that match, Ghalenoei assured fans change was imminent:

“From now on, there will be more time for young players. I promise to give them more opportunities. But it has to be done in a way that ensures they remain part of the team for years to come.”

Yet, just weeks later, his tone shifted. Speaking at a national team training session on Monday, Ghalenoei walked back his earlier commitments:

“These two games (Qatar and North Korea) are very important for us… their results affect our ranking and seeding. The youth trend has started since we arrived. Whoever is worthy and the best at the time will be selected.”

Such statements have become increasingly hollow to a public that sees little evidence of change. Critics argue that Ghalenoei is merely paying lip service to the idea of generational renewal while continuing to rely on the same old faces—many of whom are well past their prime.

After Iran’s controversial performance against North Korea and Kyrgyzstan, criticism of Ghalenoei’s tactics and team selection intensified. His response was deflective and combative:

“They don’t love Iran; they love their own interests.”

But it’s not criticism for criticism’s sake. Fans are demanding accountability, transparency, and a future-focused approach. The superficial rotation of a few younger names in training camps—without meaningful match time—is increasingly viewed as a deliberate tactic to pacify public opinion while avoiding real change.

With the upcoming fixtures against Qatar and North Korea looming, the question remains: Will Ghalenoei finally back his words with actions, or will Iran’s national team continue to drift under the weight of broken promises and aging legs?

The clock is ticking—not just for Iran’s next generation of footballers, but for the credibility of its national team’s leadership.

Final list of Team Melli player for Qatar match

Goalkeepers:
Alireza Beiranvand, Payam Niazand, Seyed Hossein Hosseini, Mohammad Khalifa

Defenders:

Milad Mohammadi, Omid Noorafkan, Shoja Khalilzadeh, Aref Aghasi, Ali Nemati, Morteza Pouraligonji, Amin Hezbawi, Sadegh Moharrami, Saleh Hardani

Midfielders:

Mehdi Ghaeydi, Mehdi Hashemnejad, Saman Ghoddos, Roozbeh Cheshmi, Mohammad Razaghnia, Saeed Ezzatollahi, Mohammad Ghorbani, Mohammad Karimi, Aria Yousefi, Mehdi Mohebi

Forwards:

Mehdi Taremi, Javad Hosseinnejad, Amir Hossein Hosseinzadeh, Shahriar Moghanlou, Ali Alipour

Team Melli adds Eleven Players Ahead of Final World Cup Qualifiers

According to the official website of the Football Federation, the coaching staff has added eleven players to the national squad attending the training camp ahead of the final two qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The team is set to face Qatar on June 5th in Doha, followed by a match against North Korea on June 10th at Azadi Stadium in Tehran. These final fixtures are expected to see several changes to the regular lineup.

The following players have been added to the squad, which so far has comprised mainly of domestic league talents:
Mohammad Mehdi Zare (Gol Gohar Sirjan), Sadegh Moharrami (Dinamo Zagreb), Amir Mohammad Razaqnia (Gol Gohar Sirjan), Saeed Ezzatollahi (Shabab Al-Ahli), Saman Ghoddos (Ittihad Kalba), Mohammad Ghorbani (Al-Wehda), Mehdi Ghaedi (Ittihad Kalba), Javad Hosseinnejad (Dinamo Makhachkala), Shahriar Moghanlou (Ittihad Kalba), Seyyed Majid Hosseini, (Kayserispor) and Mehdi Taremi (Inter Milan).

Arrival Schedule:

  • Mehdi Taremi will join the camp in Doha following the UEFA Champions League final.
  • Seyyed Majid Hosseini is expected to arrive after the conclusion of the Turkish Süper Lig season.
  • Saman Ghoddos will join the squad on May 30th after returning from Sweden and attending to family commitments.
  • Mohammad Mehdi Zare, Sadegh Moharrami, Amir Mohammad Razaqnia, and Mohammad Ghorbani will begin training with the national team tomorrow (Thursday).
  • Javad Hosseinnejad, Saeed Ezzatollahi, Shahriar Moghanlou, and Mehdi Ghaedi will report to camp on Friday.

Additional players are expected to be called up following the Hazfi Cup final between Esteghlal and Malavan.

Notable Absentees:
The team will be without Alireza Jahanbakhsh (SC Heerenveen), Sardar Azmoun (Shabab Al-Ahli), Ali Gholizadeh (Lech Poznan), and Mohammad Mohebi (FC Rostov), who are sidelined due to injuries and medical concerns.

There are two more players who are not on the list, Ahmad Nourollahi (Al-Wehda) and Mehdi Zare (Tractor) , who seem to be at odds with the head coach, Ghalenoei. The Former has been omitted form the list while the latter who was on the initial list , refused the call-up in protest of unfair and biased practices in the selection process and playing time in Team Melli.

Who Really Runs Team Melli? Torabi’s Explosive Claims Expose the Shadow Leaders

Mehdi Torabi’s recent outburst was not just a complaint—it was a bombshell revelation about the corrupt power dynamics controlling Iran’s national football team. The usually reserved Tractor Tabriz winger, known for his quiet demeanor, shocked fans by exposing what many have long suspected: Team Melli is not run by the coach, but by a powerful clique of players who dictate call-ups, tactics, and even team selections.

Torabi’s Rebellion: A Breaking Point for Team Melli

Torabi is not a troublemaker. He rarely speaks out, avoids controversy, and has never been one to rock the boat. So why now?

Because the rot in Team Melli has reached unbearable levels.

In his explosive interview, Torabi stopped short of naming names, but his message was clear:

“The criteria for selection in Team Melli are not based on merit. Personal relationships, favoritism, and outside influences decide who gets called up. This is a betrayal of the fans and the sport.”

His words confirm what insiders have whispered for years—a shadowy “player mafia” controls the national team, manipulating coaches, administrators, and even the FFIRI (Iranian Football Federation).

The Gang Behind the Curtain: Who Are They?

While Torabi avoided direct accusations, multiple sources within Team Melli point to two key figures as the ringleaders:

1. Alireza Jahanbakhsh – The Declining Star Who Won’t Let Go

  • Once a Golden Boot winner in the Dutch league (21 goals in 2017/18), Jahanbakhsh’s career has plummeted since his failed move to Brighton.
  • Last seven seasons (140 games, 14 goals) – a pathetic 0.082 goals per game for club.
  • For Team Melli (since 2018): 13 goals in 57 games (0.23 per game) – hardly the stats of an irreplaceable star.
  • Yet, despite his decline, he remains untouchable, taking minutes from younger, hungrier players like Torabi.

Why? Because he wields influence behind the scenes, leveraging his status to maintain his place regardless of form.

2. Mehdi Taremi – The Undisputed Leader (On and Off the Pitch)

  • Unlike Jahanbakhsh, Taremi’s club performances (until recently) justified his place—his Porto stint was stellar.
  • But his disastrous move to Inter Milan (minimal impact in a failed title bid) raises questions about his current level.
  • More troubling, however, is his reported role as the locker room’s “godfather.”
  • Insiders claim he dictates team politics, influencing call-ups and sidelining those who challenge his authority.

How the “Player Mafia” Operates

  1. Pressure on Coaches – Senior players threaten unrest if their preferred teammates are excluded.
  2. Favoritism Over Merit – Underperforming veterans (like Jahanbakhsh) keep their spots, while in-form players (like Torabi) are ignored.
  3. Backroom Deals – Rumors persist of agents and federation officials colluding with player cliques to maintain control.

Why Nothing Changes

  • FFIRI is Weak & Complicit – The federation lacks the will (or courage) to investigate.
  • No Independent Oversight – Unlike in Europe, where media and federations hold power players accountable, Iran’s system protects the status quo.
  • Political Protection – As long as the team qualifies for tournaments, no one in power cares how the sausage is made.

What Happens Next?

  • Torabi’s Career in Jeopardy – Will he be blacklisted like Ahmad Noorollahi?
  • Ghalenoei’s Choice – Will he crack down on player power or kowtow to the mafia to save his job?
  • Fan Backlash – If corruption isn’t cleaned up, Team Melli’s credibility will collapse entirely.

The Big Question: Will Anyone Be Held Accountable?

Torabi has broken the silence, but unless:

  • Media keeps pressure up,
  • Fans demand transparency,
  • FFIRI is forced to act,

Nothing will change.

Team Melli belongs to the people of Iran, not a privileged few. It’s time to take it back.

Who’s with Torabi?

Corruption and Nepotism in Team Melli: Torabi’s Explosive Claims Expose a Toxic Locker Room Culture

Mehdi Torabi’s shocking revelations about the deep-rooted corruption, favoritism, and nepotism in Team Melli’s player selection process have confirmed long-standing suspicions of a powerful “mafia” controlling the national team. His accusations not only expose the unprofessional and unethical environment under Amir Ghalenoei’s leadership but also raise serious questions about whether meritocracy even exists in Iranian football.

Torabi’s Defiance: A Player Breaking the Silence

As Team Melli prepares for its final 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Qatar and North Korea matches that are mere formalities after Iran’s early qualification—the real drama is unfolding off the pitch. Mehdi Torabi, one of Iran’s most consistent wingers at the club level, was mysteriously absent from the national team camp without explanation. Instead of quietly fading away, Torabi launched a scathing attack on the corrupt system dictating Team Melli’s selections.

In a rare and bold interview, Torabi declared:

“The criteria for invitations and playing time in Team Melli are not based on merit or performance. Instead, personal relationships, favoritism, and unsporting factors decide who gets called up. This is a disgrace to our football and a betrayal of the fans who deserve better.”

He further challenged Ghalenoei directly:

“Tell me, what technical reason is there that I was invited now but not for the last two camps ? I represent many players who are ignored for the wrong reasons.”

Torabi’s defiance has sent shockwaves through Iranian football, forcing fans and media to confront an open secret: Team Melli’s locker room is controlled by a shadowy network of players, agents, and officials who prioritize loyalty and interest over talent.

The “Gang” Running Team Melli: Player Power at Its Worst

Torabi’s claims align with years of rumors about player dominance, backroom deals, and political maneuvering in the national team. Reports have long suggested that a select group of senior players—backed by influential figures outside the federation—dictate call-ups, tactics, and even coaching appointments.

  • Past incidents support Torabi’s allegations:
  • Ehsan Hajsafi, Ramin Rezaeian, and Karim Ansarifard—despite declining form—were repeatedly called up due to their connections rather than performance.
  • Ahmad Noorollahi, one of Iran’s best midfielders in recent years, was blacklisted after clashing with the coaching staff, proving that dissent is punished, not debated.
  • Young talents are ignored in favor of aging veterans who maintain influence in the locker room.

Ghalenoei, aware of this toxic dynamic, has failed to dismantle the system. Instead, he has compromised, fearing the same fate as Dragan Skočić, who was ousted after losing the dressing room.

Ghalenoei’s Hypocrisy: A Coach Who Talks Tough but Bends to Pressure

When Ghalenoei returned as head coach, he promised to end player dominance, saying:

“I will fight player-centricity. Those who know me understand I don’t tolerate indiscipline.”

Yet, under his watch:

  • The same clique of players continues to enjoy preferential treatment.
  • Critical voices (like Torabi) are silenced or exiled.
  • Transparency in selections remains nonexistent.

Now, Ghalenoei faces his biggest crisis. Will he:

  1. Investigate Torabi’s claims and clean up the system?
  2. Punish Torabi to please the “mafia” and maintain his job?
  3. Continue pretending nothing is wrong until another scandal erupts?

The Bigger Problem: A Federation Rotting from the Top

Torabi’s outburst is not just about one player—it’s a symptom of systemic corruption in Iranian football. The FFIRI (Iranian Football Federation) has long been accused of nepotism, financial mismanagement, and political interference. Until the federation is held accountable, no coach, no matter how strong, can truly reform Team Melli.

What Happens Next?

  • If Ghalenoei ignores Torabi’s claims, he risks losing credibility and fan support.
  • If he punishes Torabi, he proves that truth-tellers are not welcome in Iranian football.
  • If he actually reforms the system, he may face resistance from powerful figures who benefit from the status quo.

One thing is clear: Mehdi Torabi has exposed the rot in Team Melli. The question now is, will anyone in power care enough to fix it? Or will Iranian football continue to be a playground for the connected few while true talent rots on the sidelines?

The fans deserve answers. The players deserve fairness. Iranian football deserves better.

Sardar Azmoun’s Injury Raises Concerns Ahead of Iran’s World Cup Qualifiers

Sardar Azmoun’s absence from Shabab Al-Ahli’s recent match against Al-Jazira in the ADNOC Pro League has reignited concerns over the severity of his injury and how long he may remain sidelined. The Iranian striker’s condition was visibly serious—he even attended his team’s championship celebrations using a cane, raising further questions about his recovery timeline.

With Iran’s final two World Cup qualifiers against Qatar (June 5) and North Korea (June 10) fast approaching, Azmoun’s availability for Team Melli under head coach Amir Ghalenoei is now in serious doubt. Emirati media reports suggest the injury could keep him out for at least six weeks, effectively ruling him out of the upcoming fixtures.

Azmoun’s potential absence poses a significant challenge for Ghalenoei, given the striker’s pivotal role in Iran’s attack. Although Team Melli has already secured early qualification for the 2026 World Cup, improving their FIFA ranking remains a key objective for the coaching staff. Additionally, maintaining squad cohesion and sharpness ahead of major tournaments is crucial, and losing a player of Azmoun’s caliber disrupts those plans.

However, his absence could also present an opportunity for other forwards to step up and prove their worth in the national team setup. As Iran prepares for its upcoming matches, all eyes will be on how Ghalenoei adjusts his tactics to compensate for the potential loss of one of his star players.