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Iran Secures 2-0 Victory Over Tanzania in Dubai Friendly

The Iranian national football team, under coach Amir Ghalenoei, secured a 2-0 victory against Tanzania in an international friendly on Tuesday evening. The match, held at Al Rashid Stadium in Dubai, UAE, saw both goals scored in a dominant first-half performance by Team Melli.

Amir Hossein Hosseinzadeh opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 14th minute, following a foul on Mohammad Mohebbi, adding to the goal he scored in Iran’s previous match against Russia. Mohammad Mohebi then doubled the lead in the 25th minute with a shot that took a slight deflection off a defender.

First-Half Dominance

Iran started aggressively and created an early chance in the 2nd minute, with Mohammad Mohebi unable to convert. Tanzania responded with a significant opportunity of their own in the 8th minute; a defensive error by Shoja Khalilzadeh left Charles M. Mumba one-on-one with goalkeeper Payam Niazmand, but his shot was parried away for a corner.

The breakthrough came when Kasra Taheri played Mohebi into the box, resulting in a foul from Tanzania’s Ibrahim Abdullah. Hosseinzadeh calmly converted the ensuing penalty. Shortly after, Taheri was again the provider, setting up Mohebi, whose shot deflected past the goalkeeper to make it 2-0.

The first half was marred by an injury to the promising Kasra Taheri, who was forced off in the 39th minute after a heavy challenge and replaced by Mohammad Javad Hosseinnejad.

Second-Half Adjustments

Tanzania began the second half with more purpose, pressuring the Iranian defense. A long-range effort from Yahya Zayed sailed just over the bar in the 47th minute, followed by another chance that required a last-ditch clearance from Danieal Esmailifar.

Iran suffered a second injury setback in the 54th minute when Mohammad Amin Hezbavi went down with a groin issue, making way for Ali Nemati.

The most notable incident of the second half saw Alireza Jahanbakhsh’s long-range shot from outside the box deflect off teammate Milad Mohammadi’s hand and into the net. The referee initially awarded the goal but, after consulting with his assistant, correctly disallowed it for handball.

Tanzania threatened once more in the 73rd minute with a long-range effort that flew wide, but Iran managed the game effectively to see out the 2-0 win.

Lineups:

  • Iran: Niazmand; Esmailifar, Hezbavi (54′ Nemati), Khalilzadeh, M. Mohammadi; Ezzatollahi, Ghoddos (64′ Ghorbani); Mohebi (45′ Jahanbakhsh), Hosseinzadeh (64′ Alipour), Hashemnejad (64′ Sayadmanesh); Taheri (39′ Hosseinnejad).
  • Tanzania: Soliman; Masindo, Munda (45′ Mwaikenda), Mwamenyetu, Abdullah; Zayed, Dismas, Mumba (45′ A. Soliman), Salem (45′ Abraham); Peter (64′ Chikola), Al-Arikhya.

Ezzatollahi Set to Lead Team Melli in Tanzania Friendly

As Team Melli prepares for its second and final fixture of the October FIFA window against Tanzania, the squad is poised to take the pitch with a new face wearing the captain’s armband. With the anticipated absence of senior figures Mehdi Taremi and the under-fire Alireza Jahanbakhsh, the leadership duty is expected to fall upon the experienced shoulders of defensive midfielder Saeed Ezzatollahi.

Ezzatollahi, a fixture in the national team since his debut as a 19-year-old in 2015, brings nearly a decade of international experience to the role. With 78 caps to his name, the 29-year-old has been a constant presence through the tenures of coaches from Carlos Queiroz to Dragan Skocic, establishing himself as a central pillar in Amir Ghalenoei’s current setup. The occasion holds a special significance for Ezzatollahi, as he will be representing Iran at the home stadium of his club, Shabab Al-Ahli, in what promises to be a source of double motivation.

He will not be alone in providing leadership. Saman Ghoddos, another key legionnaire based in the UAE Pro League, is also part of the team’s leadership group. Fresh off a spectacular assist in the recent match against Russia, Ghoddos will be looking to build on that form in Dubai and cement a more prominent role in Iran’s offensive machinery.

This friendly presents a critical opportunity for Ghalenoei to experiment with a new on-field hierarchy and test different tactical combinations as the long-term preparation for the 2026 World Cup continues.

Anticipated Lineup Changes and Tactical Puzzles

The match is expected to feature several changes to the starting eleven that faced Russia:

  • Defensive Reshuffle: Milad Mohammadi, newly recalled to the squad, is likely to start at left-back, replacing the out-of-position central defender Ali Nemati. This move aims to add genuine width and defensive stability to the flank.
  • Attacking Options: In the absence of Taremi, Ghalenoei could choose to start either Kasra Taheri or Allahyar Sayyadmanesh, or even utilize both in a dynamic attacking setup.
  • Midfield Creativity: To address the lack of creative impetus, there is a strong possibility that Javad Hosseinnejad could be handed a start to inject inventiveness into the midfield.
  • Defensive Concerns: The central defensive partnership of Aberghouei and Khalilzadeh, who were at fault for both goals conceded against Russia, is also under review. However, Ghalenoei’s options are limited. The lack of pace in the heart of the defense remains a significant vulnerability, one that the speedy Tanzanian attackers will be eager to exploit.

The friendly against Tanzania is more than just a fixture; it is a laboratory for Ghalenoei. It is a chance to assess new leaders, rectify visible weaknesses, and build momentum before the crucial World Cup campaign resumes.

Match Details:

  • Teams: Iran vs. Tanzania
  • Venue: Rashid Stadium, Dubai
  • Date & Time: October 14, 2025; 19:00 Local Time (18:30 Iran Time)

Team Melli Set for Quadrangular Tournament in November FIFA Window

The Iranian national football team is set for a busy and competitive schedule during the next FIFA international break in November. Following warm-up matches against Russia and Tanzania in October, the Football Federation (FFIRI) has secured Team Melli’s participation in a four-nation tournament hosted by the United Arab Emirates.

The tournament, which promises a high level of competition, will feature Iran, Egypt, Uzbekistan, and Cape Verde. This provides crucial preparation for the teams that have already qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, offering a stern test against diverse playing styles.

Tournament Schedule and Potential Showdowns

According to the tournament format, the semi-finals are scheduled for November 7. Iran will face the Cape Verde national team, currently ranked 70th in the FIFA World Rankings. A victory would see Team Melli advance to the final on November 17, where they would face the winner of the other semi-final between Uzbekistan and Egypt.

The prospect of a final between Iran and Egypt, featuring Mohamed Salah, is a tantalizing one for football fans in West Asia and North Africa, promising an exciting clash of styles and star power. Both Egypt and Uzbekistan, like Iran, have already secured their passage to the 2026 World Cup.

If Iran loses its semi-final against Cape Verde, the team will not be idle, facing the loser of the Uzbekistan-Egypt match in a third-place playoff on November 12.

A Closer Look at Iran’s Opponent: Cape Verde

The upcoming match will be the first-ever international meeting between Iran and Cape Verde, adding an element of the unknown to the fixture.

Cape Verde, known as the “Blue Sharks,” are far from a minor opponent. They are one of Africa’s most respected and formidable teams, consistently punching above their weight. Their recent performance in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), where they topped a group containing Egypt and Ghana before reaching the quarter-finals, announced them as a serious force.

Despite a recent 2-1 loss to Libya—a match where they were reportedly hampered by a refereeing error that cost them a direct path to World Cup qualification—they remain a dangerous and organized side. Coached by Bubista, their team is built on a foundation of tactical discipline, physical strength, and explosive counter-attacks. They boast talented players such as Jovane Cabral (Sampdoria), Ryan Mendes (Fatih Karagümrük), and captain Stopira, many of whom ply their trade in top European leagues.

For Amir Ghalenoei’s Iranian squad, this match against a motivated and athletic African opponent will be a vital test, particularly in assessing the team’s tactical flexibility and discipline—areas that have recently come under scrutiny.

This quadrangular tournament represents a significant step in Iran’s preparations for the 2026 World Cup, offering two high-stakes matches against quality opposition that will challenge the team and its management.

Jahanbakhsh’s Embarrassing Foul Highlights Ghalenoei’s Failing Strategy

The recent international friendly against Russia not only ended in a 2-1 loss for Iran but also exposed a deepening crisis within Team Melli, one rooted in the repeated poor judgment of head coach Amir Ghalenoei. The central emblem of this failure was the embarrassing and dangerous performance of Captain Alireza Jahanbakhsh.

Jahanbakhsh, who has been without a club since his contract with SC Heerenveen was terminated after a single, unremarkable season, was a liability from the moment he stepped onto the pitch as a substitute. His 20-minute cameo was widely described on social media as “confused,” “ineffective,” and “agitated,” culminating in one of the ugliest scenes in recent Team Melli history.

The Incident: A Moment of Shocking Ill-Discipline

During the second half, Jahanbakhsh recklessly raised his foot high, making direct and dangerous contact with the head of Russian defender Lechi Sadulayev. The foul was so egregious that a straight red card was the only appropriate outcome by any standard of the game. To the shock of fans and the Russian team alike, the referee only produced a yellow.

The result was stark: Sadulayev lay in clear agony, the stud marks from Iran’s captain visibly etched on his face and neck as he received treatment. This moment was not merely a lapse from a veteran player; it was a symptom of a deeper sickness within the squad—a lack of discipline and professionalism that falls directly at the feet of the manager.

Ghalenoei’s Culpability in a Deepening Crisis

This incident is not an isolated one. Under Ghalenoei’s tenure, the Iranian national team has been plagued by discipline issues, amassing a concerning seven red cards. Jahanbakhsh’s foul should have been the eighth, and it underscores a pattern of tactical and selection weakness.

The core of the problem is Ghalenoei’s baffling persistence with Jahanbakhsh. The captain has been in a spiral of declining form for at least two seasons and, critically, has been without a club for nearly six months. A fundamental principle of international football is that players must be fit, in form, and actively competing. By selecting a rusty, unattached player, Ghalenoei not only set Jahanbakhsh up to fail but also knowingly introduced a liability into the team.

The foul itself, while lacking obvious ill intent, was a direct product of this rustiness and a complete lack of match sharpness—a flaw for which the coach is entirely culpable. This repeated poor judgment in player selection points to a tactical weakness that extends beyond a single game; it reflects a stubborn refusal to build a squad based on merit and current ability.

Unsurprisingly, this episode has intensified calls from fans and experts for the 35-year-old Jahanbakhsh to retire from international duty. However, the larger demand is for accountability from the dugout. Until Ghalenoei is held responsible for his failing strategy and misguided loyalty to underperforming veterans, Team Melli’s progress will remain stalled.

Tanzania Set for Crucial Dubai Friendly Against World Cup-Bound Iran

DAR ES SALAAM – The Tanzania national football team, the Taifa Stars, have departed for Dubai ahead of a high-profile international friendly against Iran on October 14, 2025. The match, scheduled on the official FIFA international calendar, presents a critical challenge for the East African side as they look to rebuild after a disappointing end to their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign.

The fixture pits a Tanzanian team in a phase of renewal against an Iranian squad already preparing for the global stage, having secured qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

A Vital Test for Rebuilding

Speaking before the team’s departure, head coach Hemed “Morocco” Seleman described the friendly as a “vital test” for his side. He emphasized its importance in rebuilding squad confidence and improving overall performance after a string of disappointing results.

“It is true that we have not done well in our recent World Cup qualifying matches,” said Morocco, referencing losses to Niger and Zambia. “But that cannot discourage us. We must look ahead, especially with the AFCON 2027 tournament on the horizon. This match will help us assess our squad, raise our standards, and start preparing early.”

The Taifa Stars’ hopes of advancing to the World Cup play-offs were dashed after failing to win their last three qualifying games, a 1-1 draw with Congo Brazzaville followed by 1-0 defeats to both Niger and Zambia. These results leave Tanzania third in their qualifying group.

Despite the setback, Coach Morocco remains optimistic, viewing the game against Iran as a potential turning point. He stressed the need for tactical discipline and mental resilience, noting that the match will provide his technical bench a valuable opportunity to evaluate new players and strengthen team chemistry.

A Unifying Fixture for the Diaspora

Beyond the tactical implications, the friendly has generated significant excitement, particularly within the East African community in the UAE. For many expatriates, the game is more than a fixture; it is a celebration of football culture, unity, and a chance to rally behind their national heroes.

The match is expected to be a vibrant display of support, strengthening sporting ties between Africa and Asia and showcasing football’s power to unite nations. While the exact venue and kick-off time are yet to be officially confirmed, anticipation is steadily building for the Tuesday clash.

Iran: A Formidable Opponent Coming Off a Tight Loss

Tanzania will face a formidable Iranian team that is using this friendly window as crucial preparation for the 2026 World Cup. Iran comes into the match on the back of a tightly contested 2-1 loss to Russia in Volgograd.

A Review of Iran’s Last Game: Russia 2-1 Iran
In a hard-fought encounter against a strong Russian side, Iran demonstrated their characteristic organization and resilience. Despite ultimately falling to a 2-1 defeat, the match was a valuable exercise for Team Melli. They held their own for large periods against a physically imposing opponent, showing flashes of the cohesive, counter-attacking football that earned them World Cup qualification. The narrow scoreline, away from home, against a European powerhouse (albeit one currently suspended from FIFA and UEFA competitions), underscores Iran’s quality and the scale of the challenge awaiting the Taifa Stars. This performance indicates that Iran will be a sharp and battle-tested opponent, eager to refine their tactics in Dubai.

Match Details

  • Who: Iran vs. Tanzania
  • When: October 14, 2025
  • Where: Dubai, United Arab Emirates
  • Significance: For Iran, it’s vital preparation for the 2026 World Cup. For Tanzania, it’s a key building block for their AFCON 2027 preparations and a chance to restore confidence.

Iran Falls 2-1 to Russia in World Cup Preparatory Friendly

The Iranian national football team continued its preparations for the 2026 World Cup with a 2-1 defeat against Russia in a spirited friendly at a packed Volgograd Arena on Thursday. Despite a second-half equalizer from Amirhossein Hosseinzadeh, a decisive strike from Russia’s Batrakov sealed the victory for the hosts.

The match was steeped in a World Cup atmosphere, with the Russian hosts recreating the pomp of the 2018 tournament. The pre-match ceremony featured the shirts of both nations covering the pitch, and the national anthems were met with a roaring welcome from the 42,000-strong capacity crowd.

Match Summary

  • 22′ (Russia): Rubiev opened the scoring with a calm finish after a beautiful through pass left him one-on-one with Iranian goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand.
  • 50′ (Iran): Amirhossein Hosseinzadeh leveled the score, tapping into an empty net after a wide pass from Saman Ghoddos found him unmarked in the box.
  • 70′ (Russia): Batrakov secured the win for the hosts, firing a precise shot past Beiranvand from the edge of the penalty area after a cleared header fell to his feet.

A Tale of Two Halves

Iran, fielding a blend of youth and experience, started the brighter of the two sides. They controlled possession in the opening minutes and pinned the Russian team in their own half, though they failed to create any serious chances.

After the initial pressure, the game shifted. Russia grew into the match and began dictating the tempo, with their pressure culminating in Rubiev’s 22nd-minute opener. Iran was nearly dealt a second blow just four minutes later, but a crucial goal-line clearance from Shoja Khalilzadeh bailed out Beiranvand after a mistaken charge from his line.

The second half began promisingly for Team Melli, who found an immediate response. Hosseinzadeh’s timely run and finish five minutes after the restart seemed to set the stage for a strong comeback. The Move started by Ramin Rezaein to Saman Ghoddos, whose brilliant cut, split the Russian defense for Hosseinzadeh to slot the ball easily for the equalizer.

However, Russia reasserted its dominance as the half progressed. The home side controlled possession and created several threatening opportunities before Batrakov’s powerful strike ultimately decided the contest. Coach Amir Ghalenoei responded by introducing fresh legs like Kasra Taheri for his debut and Mohammad Ghorbani, but despite improved pressure in the final stages, Iran could not find a second equalizer.

Key Takeaways and Looking Ahead

While the Iranian team showed moments of promise and a better overall performance compared to recent outings, defensive vulnerabilities proved costly. Both goals conceded highlighted ongoing issues in the team’s defensive structure that will need addressing ahead of the World Cup.

Team Melli will continue its preparation campaign with another friendly against Tanzania on Tuesday in the UAE.

Iran’s Starting XI: Beiranvand; Rezaian, Khalilzadeh, Abarghoei, Nemati; Ezzatollahi (77′ Ghorbani), Norafkan; Ghoddos (77′ Taheri), Mohebi, Hosseinzadeh; Taremi.

Team Melli Faces Russia Amidst Questions of Form.

Team Melli is set to play against Russia this evening in Volgograd, in another attempt by head coach Amir Ghalenoei to restore the waning confidence of the Iranian fans.

For Ghalenoei, the approach remains largely unchanged, with only minor squad rotations. The one bright spot is the inclusion of Kasra Taheri, the promising U23 star, though whether he will see any playing time remains to be seen.

This match against Russia—a nation banned from the international arena by what many see as a hypocritical FIFA—presents an opportunity for Iran to test itself against tough opposition. Unlike the weak standard of Iran’s domestic league, the Russian Premier League remains strong and competitive despite its European ban, which has sidelined clubs like Zenit and Spartak. In stark contrast, Iranian clubs are arguably at their lowest level in decades. Esteghlal’s recent 7-0 defeat to Al Wasl of the UAE in a secondary Asian competition highlights how far Iran’s best clubs have fallen.

This domestic decline is directly reflected in the quality of players and the game plans of Team Melli. For years, the national team could depend on its legionnaires (players based abroad) to cover for these shortcomings, but that is no longer the case. With Sardar Azmoun sidelined for an extended period following surgery, the forward line is overly dependent on Mehdi Taremi. While Taremi started brilliantly at Olympiacos after his move, he now struggles to secure a starting spot for the Greek club.

The situation is even more concerning for Team Captain Alireza Jahanbakhsh, who currently does not have a club to train with, let alone play competitive matches—a basic requirement for international duty. In Ghalenoei’s book, however, this does not seem to matter.

Other legionnaires are not in better shape. Allahyar Sayyadmanesh, a player of great promise, has been underperforming in the Belgian league with KVC Westerlo. Since his transfer, he has played six matches, scoring no goals and providing only a single assist. Ghalenoei’s selection criteria remain a point of contention.

Adding to the controversy is the recall of 37-year-old Shoja’a Khalilzadeh to the defense—a unit in dire need of fresh energy after consistently conceding goals. The central midfield is another area of concern, as a chronic lack of service to the forwards has hampered the team’s attacking potential. Saman Ghoddos, the team’s creative maestro, is suffering a dip in form and has been uninspiring lately, requiring courage from Ghalenoei to revitalize this critical line.

The goalkeeping position also raises questions. None of the options have been shining for their clubs. Payam Niazmand, who replaced the suspended Alireza Beiranvand, was far from solid and has not proven himself a capable replacement. Beiranvand is most likely to start, but his form is not at its peak either.

Historically, Iran and Russia have met three times, with Team Melli winning once and drawing the other two. Russia comes into the match undefeated in its last five outings, including an impressive 4-1 win against Qatar in September, though they have largely faced Asian and African opposition rather than European teams.

Team Melli is playing its first match since a narrow defeat to Uzbekistan, prior to which it had three wins and a draw. The match in Volgograd should be a balanced affair, with current form and home-ground advantage favoring the Russians under coach Valery Karpin. Kickoff is at 20:00 local time at the sold-out Volgograd Arena.

Team Melli Squad Cards 2025

Payam NIAZMAND
Payam NIAZMAND

Payam NIAZMAND

Position: Goalkeeper

Birth Date: 1995-04-06

Caps: 14

Goals: 0

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Seyed Hossein HOSSEINI
Seyed Hossein HOSSEINI

Seyed Hossein HOSSEINI

Position: Goalkeeper

Birth Date: 1992-06-30

Caps: 13

Goals: 0

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Alireza BEIRANVAND
Alireza BEIRANVAND

Alireza BEIRANVAND

Position: Goalkeeper

Birth Date: 1992-09-22

Caps: 84

Goals: 2

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Arya YOUSEFI
Arya YOUSEFI

Arya YOUSEFI

Position: Defender

Birth Date: 2002-04-22

Caps: 11

Goals: 0

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Ali NEMATI
Ali NEMATI

Ali NEMATI

Position: Defender

Birth Date: 1996-02-08

Caps: 14

Goals: 0

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Amin HEZBAVI
Amin HEZBAVI

Amin HEZBAVI

Position: Defender

Birth Date: 2003-05-06

Caps: 7

Goals: 0

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Rouzbeh CHESHMI
Rouzbeh CHESHMI

Rouzbeh CHESHMI

Position: Defender

Birth Date: 1993-07-24

Caps: 41

Goals: 3

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Hossein KANANI-ZADEGAN
Hossein KANANI-ZADEGAN

Hossein KANANI-ZADEGAN

Position: Defender

Birth Date: 1994-03-23

Caps: 62

Goals: 6

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Milad MOHAMMADI
Milad MOHAMMADI

Milad MOHAMMADI

Position: Defender

Birth Date: 1993-09-29

Caps: 74

Goals: 1

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Shojaa KHALILZADEH
Shojaa KHALILZADEH

Shojaa KHALILZADEH

Position: Defender

Birth Date: 1989-05-14

Caps: 54

Goals: 2

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Aref AGHASI
Aref AGHASI

Aref AGHASI

Position: Defender

Birth Date: 1997-01-02

Caps: 7

Goals: 0

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Ali GHOLIZADEH
Ali GHOLIZADEH

Ali GHOLIZADEH

Position: Midfielder

Birth Date: 1996-03-10

Caps: 42

Goals: 6

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Omid NOORAFKAN
Omid NOORAFKAN

Omid NOORAFKAN

Position: Midfielder

Birth Date: 1997-04-09

Caps: 38

Goals: 1

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Mohammad KARIMI
Mohammad KARIMI

Mohammad KARIMI

Position: Midfielder

Birth Date: 1996-06-20

Caps: 10

Goals: 0

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Mohammad GHORBANI
Mohammad GHORBANI

Mohammad GHORBANI

Position: Midfielder

Birth Date: 2001-05-21

Caps: 13

Goals: 0

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Saman GHODDOS
Saman GHODDOS

Saman GHODDOS

Position: Midfielder

Birth Date: 1993-09-06

Caps: 65

Goals: 3

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Saleh HARDANI
Saleh HARDANI

Saleh HARDANI

Position: Midfielder

Birth Date: 1998-09-14

Caps: 16

Goals: 1

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Javad HOSSEINNEZAD
Javad HOSSEINNEZAD

Javad HOSSEINNEZAD

Position: Midfielder

Birth Date: 2003-06-26

Caps: 5

Goals: 0

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Saeid EZATOLAHI
Saeid EZATOLAHI

Saeid EZATOLAHI

Position: Midfielder

Birth Date: 1996-10-01

Caps: 82

Goals: 1

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Mohammadmehdi MOHEBI
Mohammadmehdi MOHEBI

Mohammadmehdi MOHEBI

Position: Midfielder

Birth Date: 2000-02-11

Caps: 4

Goals: 2

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Amirmohammad RAZZAGHINIA
Amirmohammad RAZZAGHINIA

Amirmohammad RAZZAGHINIA

Position: Midfielder

Birth Date: 2006-04-11

Caps: 1

Goals: 0

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Ali ALIPOUR
Ali ALIPOUR

Ali ALIPOUR

Position: Forward

Birth Date: 1994-11-11

Caps: 11

Goals: 1

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Shahriyar MOGHANLOU
Shahriyar MOGHANLOU

Shahriyar MOGHANLOU

Position: Forward

Birth Date: 1994-12-21

Caps: 18

Goals: 2

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AliReza JAHANBAKHSH
AliReza JAHANBAKHSH

AliReza JAHANBAKHSH

Position: Forward

Birth Date: 1993-10-08

Caps: 97

Goals: 17

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Mohammad MOHEBI
Mohammad MOHEBI

Mohammad MOHEBI

Position: Forward

Birth Date: 1998-12-10

Caps: 33

Goals: 13

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Mehdi GHAEDI
Mehdi GHAEDI

Mehdi GHAEDI

Position: Forward

Birth Date: 1998-12-05

Caps: 27

Goals: 9

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Mehdi HASHEMNEJAD
Mehdi HASHEMNEJAD

Mehdi HASHEMNEJAD

Position: Forward

Birth Date: 2001-10-27

Caps: 7

Goals: 0

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Kasra TAHERI
Kasra TAHERI

Kasra TAHERI

Position: Forward

Birth Date: 2006-08-06

Caps: 2

Goals: 0

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Amir Hossein HOSSEINZADEH
Amir Hossein HOSSEINZADEH

Amir Hossein HOSSEINZADEH

Position: Midfielder

Birth Date: 2000-10-30

Caps: 15

Goals: 5

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Sardar AZMOUN
Sardar AZMOUN

Sardar AZMOUN

Position: Forward

Birth Date: 1995-01-01

Caps: 91

Goals: 57

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Mehdi TAREMI
Mehdi TAREMI

Mehdi TAREMI

Position: Forward

Birth Date: 1992-07-18

Caps: 102

Goals: 57

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Team Melli announced for Russia and Tanzania matches.

Team Melli’s technical staff has revealed the preliminary squad for the upcoming friendly matches against Russia and Tanzania, giving fans their first glimpse of the players set to represent Iran this October.

A total of 24 players have been called up to the national team camp, with potential additions from Chadormalou Ardakan and Esteghlal to be decided after tonight’s match between these two sides. The final squad for the friendlies will be confirmed shortly thereafter.

Injuries continue to shape the team’s preparation: Majid Hosseini, Hossein Kananizadegan, Ali Gholizadeh, Mehdi Ghaedi, and Sardar Azmoun will miss the camp, a setback that could force the coaching staff to explore alternative options in defense and attack.

The invited players are scheduled to join the camp at 12:00 noon tomorrow at the Olympic Hotel, where media outlets will be able to capture their first interactions with the technical staff.

Team Melli is set to face Russia in Volgograd on October 10th, followed by a friendly against Tanzania in Dubai, UAE, on October 13th. These matches will offer the coaching staff a crucial opportunity to test tactics, integrate new players, and assess readiness ahead of future competitions.

Fans will be watching closely, hoping that despite some absences, Team Melli can deliver cohesive and promising performances on the international stage after recent disappointing results and performances..

THE SQUAD

Goalkeepers: Alireza Beiranvand, Payam Niazam, Mohammadreza Akhbari, Mohammad Khalifa.

Defenders: Ali Nemati, Shoja Khalilzadeh, Hossein Abarghoei, Amin Hazbavi, Mohammad Mehdi Zare, Aria Yousefi, Omid Noorafkan

Midfield: Mehdi Hashemnejad, Saeed Ezzatollahi, Mohammad Khodabandehlu, Saman Ghoddos, Mohammad Ghorbani, Alireza Jahanbakhsh, Mohammad Mohebi, Javad Hosseinnejad,

Forwards: Amir Hossein Hosseinzadeh, Allahyar Sayadmanesh, Mehdi Taremi, Ali Alipour, and Kasra Taheri.

Real Sociedad’s Zakharyan Omitted from Russia Squad for Iran Friendly

The Russian national team has announced its squad for the upcoming friendly matches against Iran and Bolivia, with a notable absentee being key midfielder Arsen Zakharyan.

Zakharyan, who plays for La Liga’s Real Sociedad, was a significant exclusion from Head Coach Valery Karpin’s selection. In response to inquiries, Real Sociedad issued a clarifying statement, asserting that the decision was purely a coaching choice. “Real Sociedad and the player himself have nothing to do with his absence from the Russian national team’s camp,” the statement read. “This question concerns Mr. Karpin.”

The 21-year-old playmaker is widely regarded as one of Russia’s most talented players, making his omission for the fixture against Team Melli particularly surprising.

Valery Karpin. Head Coach of Russia

Russia’s Full Squad for Friendlies vs. Iran and Bolivia:

  • Goalkeepers: Matvey Safonov (Paris Saint-Germain), Alexander Maksimenko (Spartak Moscow), Stanislav Agkatsev (Krasnodar), Denis Adamov (Zenit St. Petersburg)
  • Defenders: Mingyan Boyev (Baltika Kaliningrad), Ilya Vakhania, Viktor Melkhin (both FC Rostov), Yuri Gorshkov (Zenit St. Petersburg), Alexander Silyanov (Lokomotiv Moscow), Igor Diveev, Matvey Lukin, Daniil Krugovoy (all CSKA Moscow), Maxim Osipenko (Dynamo Moscow), Ruslan Litvinov (Spartak Moscow)
  • Midfielders: Daniil Glebov, Anton Miranchuk, Daniil Fomin (all Dynamo Moscow), Matvey Kislyak, Ivan Oblyakov (both CSKA Moscow), Alexey Batrakov, Dmitry Barinov, Zelimkhan Bakayev (all Lokomotiv Moscow), Alexey Miranchuk (Atalanta), Nail Umyarov (Spartak Moscow), Lechi Sadulayev (Akhmat Grozny), Konstantin Kuchayev (FC Rostov)
  • Forwards: Dmitry Vorobyov (Lokomotiv Moscow), Tamerlan Musayev (CSKA Moscow), Ivan Sergeyev (Dynamo Moscow)

Following the matches against Iran (in Volgograd) and Bolivia, the Russian team is scheduled for further friendlies against Peru and Chile as they continue their preparations.