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Infantino insists Team Melli will play in 2026 World Cup.

The FIFA chief has confirmed that Iran will play in the World Cup despite the ongoing war, saying sport should build bridges and remain outside politics.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino said Wednesday that Iran will participate in the World Cup "for sure" despite the ongoing war in the Middle East.

Speaking at CNBC's Invest in America Forum, Infantino said it is important that Iran participates in the World Cup even though its participation has been in doubt since the US and Israel launched airstrikes on the country on 28 February.

"The Iranian team is coming for sure, yes," Infantino said. "We hope that by then, of course, the situation will be a peaceful situation."

"As I said, that would definitely help. But Iran has to come. Of course, they represent their people. They have qualified. The players want to play," he explained.

Infantino met with the Iranian national team in Turkey's Antalya two weeks ago and said Wednesday he was impressed.

"I went to see them. They are actually quite a good team as well," Infantino said. "And they really want to play and they should play. Sports should be outside of politics now."

Infantino acknowledged it is not always possible to achieve the separation of sports and politics.

"OK, we don't live on the Moon, we live on planet Earth," Infantino said. "But you know if there is nobody else that believes in building bridges and in keeping them, you know, intact and together, well, we are doing that job."

The US will co-host the World Cup with Canada and Mexico.

Iran is scheduled to play two group-stage games in the US: one in Inglewood and another in Seattle.

The war has raised doubts about Iran's participation in the World Cup. There have been conflicting public comments from the Iranian government and football officials, while US President Donald Trump discouraged the Iranian team from attending the tournament, citing safety concerns.

remature Coronation: Why Taj’s World Cup Guarantee for Ghalenoei Undermines Team Melli’s Ambition

In a move that has raised more eyebrows than confidence within Iranian football circles, Football Federation President Mehdi Taj has effectively removed any suspense or accountability from Team Melli’s impending 2026 World Cup campaign. By publicly assuring that Amir Ghalenoei will remain at the helm regardless of results in North America, Taj has traded the hard edge of professional sport for the comfort of administrative inertia.

Speaking in response to comments made by Ghalenoei, who suggested that after the World Cup, Team Melli would be at the "disposal of the next head coach", Taj interpreted this as a selfless concession rather than a standard procedural reality. "Ghalenoei has made a concession; he will be the head coach of the national team after the World Cup," Taj stated.

He doubled down on this assurance, adding: "There is no problem with Ghalenoei's presence in the national team, and we are very satisfied with him. Ghalenoei is trying to say that he is leaving the federation's hands open, but he is managing the national team very well."

While stability is a cherished commodity in the volatile world of international football management, stability without scrutiny is merely stagnation. To confirm a coach's future without conducting a post-World Cup performance appraisal is not just a vote of confidence; it is an abdication of professional responsibility.

The Illusion of the "Open Hand"

The federation’s framing of this announcement centers on the idea that Ghalenoei is "leaving the federation's hands open." In reality, this premature assurance closes the federation's hands entirely. By locking in the current leadership before a ball is kicked against the world’s elite, the Federation has sent a clear message to the squad and the public: The process in the United States, Canada, and Mexico is an exhibition, not an examination.

What happens if Team Melli suffers a historic defeat? What if the tactical approach that worked in the later stages of Asian qualification proves utterly inadequate against the pace and power of a World Cup group stage? Under this new decree, the answer is apparently nothing. Ghalenoei returns to the bench for the next AFC Asian Cup qualification cycle, safe in the knowledge that the federation’s "satisfaction" predates any actual evidence from the sport's biggest stage.

This approach stands in stark contrast to the principles of high-performance sport. In any serious footballing nation, or any professional organization, a major project like a World Cup is a natural inflection point. It is a moment for review, for recalibration, and, if necessary, for a fresh voice. By skipping the appraisal step entirely, Taj is demonstrating a lack of desire for improvement and a troubling contentment with the status quo.

A Haunting Precedent

The irony of this situation is not lost on observers. Just over three years ago, the Iranian Football Federation dismissed Dragan Skocic, a coach who had secured qualification for the 2022 World Cup, mere months before the tournament began, citing a lack of confidence in his ability to perform on the world stage. The decision threw the team into a tailspin of instability from which they never recovered in Qatar.

Now, the pendulum has swung to the opposite extreme. Where once the federation acted with rash, destabilizing haste, it now clings to a premature, unearned loyalty. Both extremes stem from the same root: an institutional failure to manage coaching transitions with data-driven professionalism rather than reactive, behind-closed-doors politics.

The Risk of Complacency

The most damaging aspect of this announcement is the potential impact on the dressing room and the coaching staff's mentality. The World Cup demands every ounce of a team's focus and fear of consequence. That fear, the knowledge that jobs and legacies are on the line, drives performance. By erecting a safety net in April 2026, two months before the tournament, Taj has softened the ground beneath Ghalenoei’s feet.

While the federation views this as a gesture of unity and support, it is equally plausible that it masks deeper, unaddressed fissures within the national team setup. Maintaining the coach's position unconditionally is an easy way to avoid confronting internal issues that might otherwise surface during a rigorous post-tournament review.

Conclusion

Mehdi Taj is right to praise the work Amir Ghalenoei has done to steady the ship and navigate Asian qualification. But international football is not an industry of lifetime appointments or performance-blind loyalty. The World Cup is the ultimate litmus test.

By removing the stakes for the man in the technical area, the Federation President has undercut the very essence of competition. It is an unprofessional statement that comforts the coach but shortchanges the 90 million Iranians who expect their national team to be held to the highest possible standard—not just during the World Cup, but in the honest, critical moments that follow it.

FIFA refuses Iran request to move games to Mexico amid US conflict

FIFA has decided against moving Iran's World Cup matches from the United States to Mexico despite the war in the Middle East, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said on Friday.

Iran requested not to play its three group stage matches in the US, after the US and Israel attacked Iran on February 28 in fighting that has only stopped in recent days in a fragile ceasefire, with Washington threatening to continue its attacks.
“FIFA ultimately decided that the matches cannot be moved from their original venues,” Sheinbaum said at a press conference. From FIFA’s perspective, this would have entailed “an enormous logistical effort,” she said.

The world governing body had previously expressed reservations about Iran’s request to move their matches againast Belgium, New Zealand and Egypt at the June 11-July 19 World in the US, Mexico and Canada.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino had been pushing for Iran to take part, despite fraught relations between Tehran and Washington.

“We want Iran to play; and Iran will play in the World Cup. There is no plan B, C or D – there is only plan A,” Infantino told Mexican broadcasters N+ Univision two weeks ago.

Iranian football federation president Mehdi Taj has recently said the team is boycotting the US, but not the World Cup, without providing further details, according state-run news agency IRNA.
US President Donald Trump has said he considers it not “appropriate” for Iran to take part “for their own life and safety”.

Amid the ceasefire, called on Tuesday, talks between the US and Iran on a lasting peace settlement are set to take place in the Pakistani capital, Islamabad, as of Friday.

Iran retaliated after the United States and Israel launched the war, including targeting Gulf states and effectively closing the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping lane.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum

Ghalenoei: Costa Rica Victory Should Not Deceive Us; Infantino Heard the Voice of the Oppressed

Amir Ghalenoei, head coach of Team Melli, spoke candidly following his side’s emphatic 5–0 victory over Costa Rica, cautioning against overconfidence while praising his players’ performance.

“After a demanding training camp, our players produced an excellent result today and secured a high-scoring win against a respectable and hardworking opponent,” Ghalenoei said. “However, this decisive result might mislead some into believing Costa Rica were a weak team, that is far from the truth.”

He pointed to Costa Rica’s recent form as evidence: “Just days ago, this same team managed to neutralize Jordan under their new coach and continued fighting until the final whistle. That is why I insist this victory should not fool us. Costa Rica has long been one of the strongest sides in the North American region and has even reached the World Cup quarterfinals in their history.”

Ghalenoei noted that despite Costa Rica’s absence from this year’s World Cup, they are in the midst of a rebuilding phase. “They are integrating several young players into their squad,” he explained. “Anyone who understands football knows that a team undergoing renewal can pose serious challenges to any opponent.”

Turning to his own squad’s performance, Ghalenoei expressed satisfaction while stressing the importance of continued growth. “From the very first whistle, our players implemented the tactical points we had emphasized, particularly in the attacking third. But we cannot afford to rest on this result. From the beginning, we made it clear that our objective in the friendlies against Nigeria and Costa Rica was never merely the outcome. Instead, we aimed to reinforce our strengths, address our weaknesses, and enhance overall team cohesion.”

He added: “We had the capacity to score even more goals today, but overall it was a solid, competitive, and highly beneficial match for us. In many respects, it was a valuable accomplishment.”

A Meaningful Encounter with Infantino

Ghalenoei also highlighted a significant off-field moment during the team’s Antalya training camp, the presence of FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

“This was a positive development in its own right,” Ghalenoei remarked. “One of the key outcomes of the Antalya camp was that the FIFA president joined us, and we were able to convey the voices of Iran’s oppressed people directly to Infantino.”

He elaborated on the message delivered: “In this brutal, imposed war that the enemies have waged unjustly against our country, it is not only national figures who have dedicated years of service to Iran who have suffered, but also ordinary citizens, among them, innocent children from Minab who have been martyred. We made this oppression known to him firsthand. You saw how they have even targeted our sports and historical sites in acts of cowardice.”

According to Ghalenoei, Infantino’s response was striking. “Despite threats from the U.S. president, the FIFA president announced his full support for our safe participation and necessary preparations for the World Cup.”

Team Melli Thrash Costa Rica 5-0 in Antalya Friendly

Team Melli delivered a commanding performance in their second friendly international, routing a physical Costa Rica side 5-0 at the Mardan Titanic Sports Complex in Antalya.

After the disappointment of a narrow defeat to Nigeria on Friday, head coach Amir Ghalenoei abandoned the experimental 3-5-1-1 formation in favor of the more familiar 4-3-3. The tactical switch yielded immediate dividends.

Iran were on the scoresheet inside ten minutes. Mehdi Taremi, who would go on to have a starring role, produced excellent work down the flank before setting up Ali Gholizadeh, who finished immaculately past the Costa Rican goalkeeper.

The lead was doubled nine minutes later when Hosseinzadeh was fouled in the box. Captain Taremi stepped up and converted the resulting penalty with ease to make it 2-0.

Taremi then turned provider once more, delivering a pinpoint assist for Mohammad Mohebi, who netted Iran's third goal in the 31st minute. Shortly after, another foul on Mohebi resulted in a second penalty, which Taremi again dispatched to give Iran a 4-0 advantage at the break.

Early in the second half, substitute Mehdi Ghayedi produced the goal of the game, lashing home from the edge of the box after a rebound from a corner to complete the 5-0 rout.

Ghalenoei utilized the friendly to its full extent, making nine substitutions throughout the match. There were notable debuts for young talents, including 19-year-old Persepolis forward Amirhossein Mahmoudi. Amirmohammad Razzaghinia, another promising youngster, started the contest and played the full 90 minutes.

While Iran had suffered from wasteful finishing in the defeat to Nigeria, there were no such issues against a Costa Rican side that had drawn 2-2 with Jordan on Friday.

The performance was marked by a fluid passing game, with Iran showing composure even in congested areas. Diagonal balls and well-worked combinations produced another pleasing display, achieved despite the emotional stresses facing the squad.

Defensively, Iran were resolute. The central partnership of Nemati and Khalilzadeh provided stability, while Danial Esmaeilifar and Milad Mohammadi controlled the flanks. Goalkeeper Hossein Hosseini, who replaced Beiranvand, enjoyed a quiet first half with little to do.

Ali Gholizadeh continued his impressive form, capping his performance with the opening goal. Taremi, who had been disappointing against Nigeria, delivered a man-of-the-match display with two goals and two assists.

Costa Rica offered little attacking threat, but the match served as a valuable exercise for a Team Melli side that continues to grow in both stature and confidence. The integration of two young debutants also provided a refreshing boost for Ghalenoei's squad.

In a surprise appearance, FIFA President Gianni Infantino attended the match at the Mardan Stadium practice field. Cameras frequently focused on Infantino throughout the first half. It is believed that the FIFA chief was present to meet with the Team Melli squad and management, offering support and reassurance ahead of the World Cup.

However, Infantino's words may carry limited weight given the context of the host nation. Its president has publicly stated that he cannot guarantee the safety of the Iranian delegation, casting a shadow over what was otherwise a triumphant day on the pitch.

Mehdi Taremi becomes the second highest Team Melli scorer on record.

Mehdi Taremi, the prolific striker for both Iran’s national team, Team Melli, and Olympiacos, reached a historic milestone on Friday, March 27, by scoring his 58th international goal against Nigeria. With that strike, he became the second-highest goalscorer in Iranian history, trailing only the legendary Ali Daei, who remains firmly atop the all-time list.

Taremi’s journey to this achievement has been marked by a distinguished club career spanning several countries. Beginning in his hometown of Bushehr, he went on to represent clubs such as Al-Gharafa in Qatar, Rio Ave, Porto, Inter Milan, and now Olympiacos.

                                                 

#NameStartSubst.CapsGoals YellowsReds
1DAEI, Ali #10145615111092
2TAREMI, Mehdi #9881510358121
3AZMOUN, Sardar77149157110
4BAGHERI, Karim8438750111
5NEKOUNAM, Javad #61441315741251
6KARIMI, Mohammad Ali #81201013038150
7ANSARIFARD, Karim495510429120
8MAZLOOMI, Gholamhossein3012421910
9PEYOUS, Farshad304341811
10JAHANBAKHSH, AliReza #767319817130

While his international exploits continue to make headlines, Taremi’s impact in European competitions has been unparalleled among Iranian players. He holds the record for the most appearances and goals by an Iranian in Europe. All eight of his UEFA Champions League goals came during his highly successful stint with Porto—a period widely regarded as the peak of his career. Among them was a spectacular scissor-kick volley against Chelsea, which earned a nomination for the FIFA Puskás Award.

By comparison, Ali Daei scored three goals in the Champions League, including a memorable brace against Chelsea during the 1999–2000 season. With eight goals to his name, Mehdi Taremi remains the highest-scoring Iranian player in Champions League history.

Iranian Players in the UEFA Champions League — Ranking

RankPlayerUCL GoalsUCL MatchesClubs Played For in UCLNotes
1Mehdi Taremi827FC PortoAll goals scored for Porto between 2020–2024.
2Ali Daei36Hertha BSCScored 2 vs Chelsea + 1 vs Milan (1999–2000).
3Sardar Azmoun221Rubin Kazan, Rostov, Zenit, LeverkusenGoals vs Bayern (2015) & Atlético (2016).
4Karim Ansarifard16OlympiacosScored vs Sporting CP (2017).
5Mehdi Mahdavikia17HamburgScored vs Juventus (2000).

Team Melli Falls to Nigeria in Antalya Friendly: Progress Evident, but Flaws Persist

In their first international friendly of 2026, Team Melli suffered a narrow 2-1 defeat to Nigeria at the Mardan Stadium in Antalya. Goals from Moses Simon (7’) and Akor Adams (51’) secured the win for the Super Eagles, while Mehdi Taremi scored the lone consolation for Iran in the 67th minute.

The match served as a crucial test for Iran as they resumed preparations for the upcoming World Cup, following a lengthy break from international action. While the final score favored the Africans, the performance offered a mixed bag for head coach Amir Ghalenoei. Despite playing the more cohesive brand of football for large stretches, familiar shortcomings ultimately undermined the result.

Defensive Lapses Prove Costly

The two goals conceded highlighted ongoing concerns at the back, stemming from individual errors rather than systemic breakdowns. Veteran defender Hossein Kanani and Ali Nemati were culpable on the day, with each making costly mistakes that Nigeria ruthlessly exploited.

Tactical Shift Shows Promise

In a bid to inject more attacking impetus, Ghalenoei shifted to a three-man defensive line, deploying a 3-5-2 formation. The tactical adjustment allowed wing-backs Milad Mohammadi and Arya Yousefi to operate as advanced wide midfielders, a change that yielded positive results. Mohammadi, in particular, was a livewire on the left flank; one surging dribble saw him carve through the Nigerian defense to the byline, only for his cut-back to miss , Mohebbi , its intended target by inches inside the six-yard box.

Midfield Control but Attacking Frustration

The midfield trio functioned effectively, with Saman Ghoddos pulling the strings as the deep-lying playmaker. His intelligent distribution provided the platform for the advanced movements of Ghorbani and Ali Gholizadeh.

However, the offensive duo of Mohammad Mohebbi and Mehdi Taremi struggled to find consistent chemistry. Taremi, despite converting Iran’s only goal, delivered a performance that raised concerns. The veteran striker appeared sluggish and was frequently seen appealing for fouls rather than maintaining possession. Whether the issue is a lack of match fitness or a tendency to over-dramatize contact, Taremi’s physical edge, a hallmark of his game, was notably absent.

The second half represented Iran’s best period of the match. They controlled the tempo and created the better chances, yet once again fell victim to a recurring problem: poor finishing. What could have been a winning half instead became a frustrating reminder of the team’s inability to capitalize on momentum.

Lingering Concerns Ahead of the World Cup

Despite the encouraging overall display against a strong African side, the friendly illuminated several critical areas requiring immediate attention. Chief among them is the lack of clinical execution in the final third. Whether it is the weight of the final pass, the composure in front of goal, or the accuracy of the shot, this essential skill set remains alarmingly deficient.

Furthermore, questions linger regarding squad composition. The team’s discipline, on-field body language, and the advanced age of the core squad cast doubt on their ability to withstand the physical demands and high-pressure environment of the World Cup. If Iran is to compete on the global stage, addressing these vulnerabilities will be as crucial as refining the tactical framework that showed flashes of promise against Nigeria.

Ndidi joins Super Eagles, completes 22-Man squad for Iran

March 25, 2026 9:24 pm

The camp of Nigeria’s Super Eagles is now complete following the arrival of captain Wilfred Ndidi at the Bellis Deluxe Hotel in Antalya on Wednesday, ahead of upcoming international friendlies in Turkey.

Head Coach Eric Chelle had earlier named captain Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, and Ademola Lookman in a 23-man squad for the matches.

The fixtures were moved from Amman to Antalya due to the outbreak of conflict in the Middle East.

The Super Eagles will face Iran on March 27 at 4 p.m., before taking on Jordan on March 31 at 8 p.m. in Antalya.

Super Eagles Media Officer, Promise Efoghe, said Ndidi’s arrival brings leadership and balance to the squad ahead of Friday’s friendly.

super-eagles-team

Agency Report

“We are pleased to have our captain join the team today. His presence completes the list of invited players and strengthens the group,” Efoghe said.

He, however, confirmed the last-minute withdrawal of Calvin Bassey from the list of invited players due to a back injury sustained while on club duties.

“It is unfortunate that Bassey had to pull out late because of a back injury. We wish him a quick recovery and hope to have him back to the team soon,” he said.

Efoghe added that 22 players are currently in camp and fully involved in preparations for the upcoming encounter.

The team held its first training session at 4 p.m. local time (2 p.m. Nigerian time), with all available players participating actively.

Efoghe said the session focused on fitness drills, ball circulation, pressing exercises, and small-sided games to assess players’ readiness.

“The first training session was productive. The coaches engaged the players in light conditioning, tactical positioning, and ball work to get them in shape,” he said.

He said that the players responded well, showing intensity and commitment as they were put through their paces ahead of the clash with the Iranian national football team.

“The energy and response from the players were very encouraging. You can see the determination as they prepare for the match on Friday,” he added.

Efoghe said the technical crew would step up preparations in subsequent sessions to fine-tune strategies and cohesion.

“Thursday’s training will be more intense and tactical as the coaches begin to focus on specific match situations and game plans,” he said.

List of all 22 players in order of their arrival at camp

1. Fisayo Bashiru

2. Iwobi Alex

3. Emmanuel Oluwasegun

4. ⁠Yira Sor

5. ⁠Onuachu Paul

6. ⁠Philip Otele

7. ⁠Semi Ajayi

8. ⁠Moses Simon

9. ⁠Uzoho Francis

10. ⁠Bruno Onyemaechi

11. ⁠Bright Osayi

12. ⁠Frank Onyeka

13. ⁠Adebayo Adeleye

14. ⁠Ademola Lookman

15. ⁠Akor Adams

16. ⁠Chidera Ejuke

17. ⁠Raphael Onyedika

18. ⁠Igoh Ogbu

19. ⁠Maduka Okoye

20. ⁠Samuel Chukwueze

21. ⁠Zaidu Sanusi

22. Wilfred Ndidi

Team Melli Training Intensifies as Squad Reaches Full Strength

Team Melli’s training camp in Turkey is now at full capacity, with all European-based legionnaires having joined the squad.

According to the Football Federation’s official website, the team assembled on the fourth day of Nowruz for the upcoming friendlies against Nigeria and Costa Rica. Alireza Jahanbakhsh, Mehdi Taremi, Ali Gholizadeh, and Dennis Eckert were the final four players to arrive at the camp. Upon his arrival, Eckert was welcomed by the team manager and head coach.

The four players joined their teammates in two groups for a morning gym session, focusing on physical training under the supervision of head coach Amir Ghalenoei. Wednesday’s session also marked Mohammad Mohebi’s first training with the squad. Mohebi had joined the camp the previous evening but was held out of training on his first day to rest after a recent match. Team Melli will hold a tactical meeting before conducting their second training session of the day in Antalya.

Saeed Ezzatollahi has been ruled out of both friendly matches. The midfielder sustained an injury in the 83rd minute of Al-Shabab Al-Ahli’s match against Al-Ain and will be sidelined for two weeks while undergoing treatment. Additionally, late invitee Arya Yousefi was unable to obtain clearance to travel due to administrative issues and will also miss the two fixtures.

Costa Rica

Costa Rica committed to international friendly with Iran & Jordan

The Costa Rican National Team will maintain its international commitments in March, although with an important change in the venue. It will be the first matches of the National Team under the command of Argentine coach Fernando Bocha Batista

The Costa Rican Football Federation (FCRF) confirmed that the friendlies against the Jordanian National Team and the Iranian National Team will finally be played in Antalya, Turkey.

The move responds to the geopolitical context that is currently being experienced in the Middle East, which forced the search for a neutral venue to guarantee the development of the matches without setbacks.

According to the Federation, the Turkish city has recently been used for high-level international events.

Just a few weeks ago, Antalya was the scene of the women's World Cup qualifying match between the Spanish women's national team and the Ukrainian women's national team, a match that took place normally.

The friendlies will mark the official debut of Argentine coach Fernando "Bocha" Batista at the helm of the Tricolor.

The first match will be on March 27 against Jordan, while on March 31 Costa Rica will face Iran.

For now, the Federation has not confirmed the schedules of both matches.

These matches are part of the preparation of the new process that the national team begins towards the next international competitions and the 2030 World Cup.

While the logistical details of the training sessions are being refined, the Argentine coach has already begun his process of direct observation of Costa Rican football.

On Friday night, Batista was present at the Alejandro Morera Soto Stadium, where he witnessed the victory of Liga Deportiva Alajuelense by 3-0 against Municipal Pérez Zeledón.

The Argentine coach also recently announced a microcycle of work with players from the local environment, one of the first actions of his project at the helm of the Sele.