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.
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/Neutral | Total Matches | W | D | L | Goals | Goal Diff. |
| H | 8 | 6 | 2 | 0 | 22 – 5 | 17 |
| A | 16 | 9 | 3 | 4 | 20 – 15 | 5 |
| N | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 7 – 1 | 6 |
| TOTAL | 27 | 18 | 5 | 4 | 49 – 21 | 28 |
| Date | Competition | H / A / N | Final score | Stadium | Attendance |
| 15.10.2024 | World Cup Qualifier | H | 4 – 1 | Rashid Stadium, Dubai | 7890 |
| 07.02.2024 | Asian Cup / Semi-Finals | A | 2 – 3 | Al Thumama Stadium, Doha | 40342 |
| 17.10.2023 | Others / Jordan 4 aside | N | 4 – 1 | Amman international stadium | 1500 |
| 31.12.2018 | Friendly | A | 2 – 1 | Khalifa Stadium, Doha | 50 |
| 23.03.2017 | World Cup Qualifier | A | 1 – 1 | Jassim bin Hamad, Doha | |
| 01.09.2016 | World Cup Qualifier | H | 2 – 1 | Azadi Stadium, Tehran | 80000 |
| 15.01.2015 | Asian Cup / Group ‘C’ | N | 1 – 1 | Stadium Australia – Sydney | 22673 |
| 04.06.2013 | World Cup Qualifier | A | 1 – 1 | Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium , Doha | 11872 |
| 12.06.2012 | World Cup Qualifier / Round 4 | H | 0 – 0 | Azadi Stadium , Tehran | 80000 |
| 29.02.2012 | World Cup Qualifier / Round 3 – Group E | H | 2 – 2 | Azadi Stadium , Tehran | 55000 |
| 06.09.2011 | World Cup Qualifier / Round 3 – Group E | A | 1 – 1 | Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium , Doha | 8125 |
| 28.12.2010 | Friendly | A | 0 – 0 | Khalifa Stadium , Doha | 3000 |
| 28.12.2009 | Friendly / Qatar Intl. Friendly Tournament | A | 2 – 3 | Suhaim Bin Hamad-Doha Qatar Stadium | 3000 |
| 09.11.2008 | Friendly | A | 1 – 1 | Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium , Doha | 5000 |
| 11.08.2008 | WAFF | H | 6 – 1 | Takhti Stadium , Tehran | 5000 |
| 10.01.2008 | Friendly | A | 0 – 0 | Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium , Doha | 2000 |
| 24.03.2007 | Friendly / Friendly | A | 1 – 1 | Thani bin Jassim Stadium, Doha | 7000 |
| 13.10.2004 | World Cup Qualifier / WCQ | A | 3 – 2 | Thani bin Jassim Stadium, Doha | 3000 |
| 18.02.2004 | World Cup Qualifier / WCQ | H | 3 – 2 | Azadi Stadium, Tehran | 0 |
| 08.04.2002 | Others / WAG | N | 2 – 1 | Al Qadisiya Stadium, Kuwait City | |
| 01.08.2001 | Friendly / Friendly | A | 1 – 2 | Khalifa International Stadium, Doha | 3000 |
| 27.09.2000 | Friendly | A | 2 -1 | Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium , Doha | 5000 |
| 07.11.1997 | World Cup Qualifier / WCQ | A | 0 – 2 | Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium , Doha | 20000 |
| 03.10.1997 | World Cup Qualifier / WCQ | H | 3 -1 | Azadi Stadium, Tehran | 70000 |
| 01.06.1996 | Friendly / Friendly | A | 1 – 1 | Khalifa Stadium , Doha | 10000 |
| 17.05.1996 | Friendly | H | 2 – 1 | Takhti Stadium , Tabriz | 30000 |
| 02.12.1988 | Asian Cup / Group 1 | A | 2 – 1 | Hamad bin Khalifa Stadium , Doha | 20000 |