Category: News

Team Melli's Star Ali Gholizadeh Suffers Severe Knee Injury, World Cup Hopes in Jeopardy

TEHRAN – In a devastating blow for both club and country, Iranian national team winger Ali Gholizadeh sustained a serious left knee injury during Lech Poznan’s Polish Ekstraklasa clash against Motor Lublin. Polish sports outlets have since reported that the 28-year-old is likely to miss the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Lech Poznan secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Motor Lublin in the 31st week of the Polish league. Gholizadeh, who started the match, was involved in a distressing incident just 16 minutes into the game.

The unfortunate event unfolded when Gholizadeh leapt over an opposing player from Motor Lublin. Upon landing, he collided awkwardly with another defender, causing his left knee to buckle severely under his weight. The player immediately collapsed to the turf and, despite several agonizing moments, was unable to rise. Teammates and medical staff quickly rushed to his side, with visible concern on their faces , especially given the proximity of the upcoming World Cup.

Polish outlet Interia reported that the initial assessments are alarming. “The nature of the non-contact landing and the immediate reaction of the player suggest a potential cruciate ligament injury,” the site noted. “It appears that Gholizadeh could face a prolonged period on the sidelines, effectively ruling him out of the 2026 World Cup.”

Lech Poznan has yet to release an official medical statement, but sources close to the club fear the worst. The Iranian national team medical staff has reportedly been in contact with their Polish counterparts.

A Painful Déjà Vu

The timing of the injury is especially cruel. Gholizadeh was a key member of Team Melli under Carlos Queiroz during the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. In Iran’s historic Group B match against England, which ended 6-2 in favor of the Three Lions, Gholizadeh delivered a moment of pride for Iranian football. It was his precise cross from the right wing that found Mehdi Taremi, who scored Iran’s first goal of the tournament, a strike that briefly silenced the packed Khalifa International Stadium.

Since then, Gholizadeh has remained a consistent performer for both his club and country, known for his dribbling ability, pace, and work rate. His potential absence would leave a significant gap on Iran’s right flank as they prepare for the 2026 World Cup, where they are expected to face top-tier opposition.

What’s Next?

Gholizadeh is expected to undergo an MRI scan in the coming days to determine the full extent of the damage. If a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is confirmed, recovery typically takes six to nine months, making a summer 2026 return impossible. Iranian fans and pundits are anxiously awaiting official news, but early signs point to a heartbreaking setback.

For now, the entire Iranian football community holds its breath, hoping for a less severe diagnosis—but preparing for the worst.

Taj was allowed into Canada but returned back in protest.

May 1 (Reuters) - Iranian soccer federation president Mehdi Taj said Canadian officials cleared him to enter the country for the FIFA Congress, but Iran’s delegation chose to turn back after being held for three hours and questioned at a Toronto airport, Iranian media reported on Friday.

Taj, a former member of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), said he was questioned by Canadian immigration about his ties to the group, but was ultimately allowed into the country for the pre-World Cup gathering in Vancouver.

Canadian authorities have said members of the IRGC are prohibited from entering the country, which is set to co-host the World Cup from June along with the United States and Mexico.

"We all had visas and were even checked in Turkey. They told us they had questions for you and asked if we were members of the IRGC," Iran's semi-official news agency Tasnim quoted Taj as saying.

"We told them that there are 90 million IRGC members in Iran. They said that we don’t allow people from this organisation in. They said that it is the laws of our country.

"After a while, they said you can enter but we decided to return. They didn’t deport us and we decided to return ourselves… I told the Canadians that you kept us at the airport for three hours, you made us wait for nothing."

Reuters has contacted Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, which issues visas to travel to the country, for comment.

Taj said FIFA president Gianni Infantino had offered to send a jet to take the Iranian delegation to Canada after they returned to Turkey, but they refused.

"I told the FIFA secretary general (Mattias Grafstrom) that you are intimidated by America and that you say 'yes sir' to whatever they say," he said.

Reuters has reached out to FIFA for comment.

Infantino insisted on Thursday that Iran would play World Cup matches in the United States, despite tensions between the two countries since the U.S. and Israel launched a war against Iran in February. FIFA earlier rejected Tehran's request for alternative venues for matches on U.S. soil.

"We need to hold a meeting with FIFA officials to ensure that if we are to come to the World Cup, there should be no side issues and controversies for our team," Taj said about Iran's participation.

Amir Ghalenoei

Ghalenoei Details Iran’s Grueling Path to World Cup Readiness Amid Domestic League Suspension

Tehran, Iran – Amir Ghalenoei, the head coach of the Iranian national football team (Team Melli), has offered a candid assessment of his squad’s preparations for the upcoming World Cup, revealing the significant challenges posed by the suspension of the domestic Premier League.

Speaking at the conclusion of an intra-team friendly match, Ghalenoei did not shy away from the difficulties his players have faced. “The national team’s training camp began under the most demanding of circumstances,” he stated. “The Premier League was suspended, and as a result, the players were far from their ideal physical condition.”

The coach went on to highlight specific shortcomings that have emerged during the early stages of training. “We have identified several weaknesses in our performance data,” Ghalenoei explained. “Most notably, we are falling short of global benchmarks when it comes to physical fitness and conditioning.” This admission underscores the uphill battle the coaching staff faces in bridging the gap with top-tier international opponents.

To combat this, Ghalenoei revealed that the team’s current training regimen is deliberately intense. “We have designed the exercises to maintain a high level of pressure on the players,” he said. “The goal is to ensure they reach full physical fitness precisely by the time we begin our next training camp in Turkey.” Despite the grueling schedule, the head coach praised his squad’s mentality. “The players are highly motivated and putting in tremendous effort. Looking ahead, conditions will improve once our legionnaire [overseas-based] players join the national team. With their addition, we hope to conduct training even more efficiently.”

Ghalenoei also provided a detailed roadmap of Team Melli’s travel and preparation plans. “We will depart for Turkey on May 12 and remain there for approximately twenty days,” he confirmed. During their stay in Turkey, the team is exploring options for a high-profile warm-up match. “If possible, we will arrange a training match in the United States,” Ghalenoei said, outlining two potential timelines. “We will travel to the United States about 14 to 15 days before the start of the World Cup. However, if a training match there, is not feasible, we will still head to the U.S. ten days prior to the tournament.”

These comments reveal a logistical balancing act for the Iranian federation, as they seek to secure crucial friendly matches while managing player fatigue and travel demands. With domestic football on hold, Ghalenoei’s focus remains squarely on sharpening his team’s physical edge and integrating his European-based stars in time for the world’s biggest stage.

FIFA confirms Iran will play World Cup matches in United States

  • FIFA president Gianni Infantino confirms Iran’s participation at the 2026 World Cup
  • Iran will play all scheduled matches in the United States despite political tensions
  • Immigration issues disrupted Iran’s FIFA Congress attendance but did not affect tournament plans

Gianni Infantino has reaffirmed that Iran national football team will compete in the 2026 FIFA World Cup and play its scheduled matches in the United States.

Speaking at the FIFA Congress, Infantino emphasized the importance of unity through football.

“Of course, Iran will be participating at the FIFA World Cup 2026, and of course Iran will play in the United States of America,” he said. “The reason for that is very simple, dear friends, is because we have to unite. We have to bring people together. It is my responsibility.”

The confirmation comes amid recent complications involving Iran’s delegation, which faced issues entering Canada for the FIFA Congress. Anita Anand described the denial of entry as “unintentional,” while reports indicated that some Iranian representatives chose not to attend after one member was turned away.

Despite those issues, FIFA maintained its stance that there are no grounds to suspend or exclude Iran from the tournament.

Infantino reiterated that there are “no suspended member associations or any grounds for expulsion,” dismissing speculation about relocating Iran’s matches to other host nations such as Canada or Mexico.
Donald Trump also signaled support, stating he was comfortable with Iran’s participation if FIFA approved it, despite earlier comments raising concerns about safety due to geopolitical tensions.

Iran is set to begin its campaign in Group G on June 15 against New Zealand national football team at SoFi Stadium. They will then face Egypt national football team in Seattle before returning to Inglewood to play Belgium national football team.

FIFA’s position remains clear that the tournament schedule will proceed as planned, with Iran fully included despite ongoing political challenges.
Iran's delegation to FIFA Annual Congress was denied entry into Canada by immigration authorities. Mehdi Taj and Hedayat Mombini were Iran's representatives. Both returned to Iran via Turkey without attending the congress in Vancouver

Afshin Peyrovani Sacked by Persepolis Following U.S. Trip During National Crisis.

TEHRAN – Former Iran national team captain and Persepolis veteran Afshin Peyrovani has been dismissed from his role as team manager, following what the club describes as a serious lapse in professional conduct.

The controversy erupted during the Nowruz holidays, at a time when the United States and Israel had launched a coordinated military aggression against Iran. Against this backdrop of active war, Peyrovani traveled unexpectedly to the United States, a decision that drew sharp criticism from within the club and among some of the fans.

In response, Persepolis released a statement suspending Peyrovani's professional relationship with the club and confirming that his case would be referred to the disciplinary committee upon his return to Iran.

Failure to Return Seals His Fate

According to club sources, Persepolis recently resumed training ahead of the new season. However, Peyrovani neither returned to Iran nor attended any team activities. His continued absence prompted the club's management to take final action, issuing an official order expelling him from the club.

National Team Manager Speculation Now in Doubt

Prior to his dismissal, there had been growing speculation that Peyrovani, who enjoys significant backing within the Football Federation, including support from national team head coach Amir Ghalenoei, was a leading candidate to replace Mohammad Mohammad Nabi as Team Melli manager.

Insiders suggest that Peyrovani's strong ties to key figures in Iranian football made him a plausible choice for the role. However, following this latest episode and his subsequent firing from Persepolis, sources indicate that any chance of him being offered the national team position has now effectively evaporated.

What's Next?

Peyrovani has yet to issue a public statement regarding his dismissal or the events leading up to it. The disciplinary committee is still expected to review the case, though with his expulsion already finalized, the move appears largely symbolic at this stage.

For now, one of the most respected names in Iranian football finds himself on the outside of the game he once helped define, his future in the sport uncertain. Peyrovani was part of Iran Squad in the FIFA World Cup 1998, where Iran defeated USA 2-1 to record its first-ever victory.

Derakhshan: No hope of World Cup success under current conditions.

Tehran – Former Team Melli player and current coach Hamid Derakhshan believes that the lack of competitive matches and the decline in players' physical fitness could severely reduce Iran's chances of advancing to the next stage of the World Cup.

"When a player who has been a regular on the bench in almost all Premier League games is invited to the national team, it is clear that his invitation has no technical justification."

In an interview with an IRNA reporter regarding Team Melli's prospects and the latest status of the national football team, Derakhshan said: "The suspension of the league has no effect on the national team's camps, and there should be no misconception that now that the league is suspended, the players are spending more time together and thus becoming better. Training alone cannot prepare the team; the most important thing is the players' participation in competitive matches. The fact that several valuable and quality players are not present on this list should not be ignored. When the league is not held and a player is not in a competitive situation, his quality declines."

He added: "How can a player who has been called up for this camp but has been away from training and sitting on the bench for most of his club's matches make a difference and be match fit? The coach may have had to invite experienced players to help the team, but experience is only effective when the player is physically and mentally ready. A player who is not playing regularly cannot make the necessary impact."

Derakhshan also cited the performance of teams like Tractor in Asian club competitions as an example, saying: "Compare Tractor's game against Shabab Al-Ahli with their other matches in Asian competitions. The team that had the best defense of the entire tournament lost to Shabab Al-Ahli by three goals. When there is no good training and no suitable conditions, quality naturally deteriorates. This is the biggest problem in our football right now, and in such a situation, we should not expect to achieve good results in the World Cup."

Referring to Aref Aghasi, Derakhshan said: "When a player who has been on the bench for almost all Premier League games is invited to the national team, it is clear that his invitation has no technical merit. Anyone who does not even follow football can recognize this. It is better for me not to talk about this issue further, and let the fans judge such selections themselves. When a player is ready and in match condition, inviting a player who is not playing is meaningless."

In response to a question about inviting young players such as Taheri, Mahmoudi, and Masoud Mohebbi, Derakhshan said: "The coach has invited several young players, but the reality is that none of them have much of a chance to play or to make the final World Cup roster. Whether Iranian or foreign, coaches usually invite these youngsters mostly due to public criticism, but they do not give young players a chance on the field. Out of the 30 players invited, only 18 get to play, and the share of young players is very small. Of course, this list was used for mini-camps, and legionnaire players have not yet been added. 'Youthful' does not mean inviting young players just to fill the list without even giving them minutes to play! This is a process in which Team Melli's coaching staff has not excelled."

Commenting on Team Melli's chances of advancing from the group stage of the World Cup, Derakhshan concluded: "We should not deceive ourselves. With the current situation — no league being held and the lack of player preparation — advancing from the group is not easy at all. It's not as if we can go to the World Cup without effort and planning and still expect to advance. All teams are working hard, and we should be doing the same. I hope Team Melli is successful, but the reality is that our football is not in good condition, and the situation is getting worse every day."

Donyamali: I oppose attending the World Cup / Infantino is an agent of America


20 April 2025 –

Minister of Sports and Youth stated: "Following the 12-day war against Iran, the FIFA President awarded the Peace Cup to the murderous US president."- The award was to Trump on 5th December 2025)

According to Tasnim News Agency, at the second meeting of the 2026 World Cup coordination committee, Minister of Sports and Youth Ahmad Donyamali opened his speech by addressing what he called the double standards of FIFA and other international sports organizations regarding the criminal US aggression against Iran.

He said: "If any country other than the Great Satan were hosting the World Cup, international organizations would quickly strip it of that privilege. The FIFA President awarded the Peace Cup and medal to the murderous US president even after the 12-day imposed war against Iran. These people are agents of America. We do not need Infantino to come into our locker room and perform a dance for us. He did not even condemn this war."

The Minister continued: "We cannot remain indifferent to the thousands of martyrs we have given. Speaking personally, I am definitely against participating in the World Cup. However, if the government’s interests and orders require us to take part, we must be prepared and do so. Can we not show outrage at America’s recent crimes and then say we will simply go to the World Cup as if nothing happened?"

Donyamali added: "If the global sports community had any sense of honor, it would not only strip America of World Cup hosting rights but the International Olympic Committee would also take away the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. How can they suspend another country from all global sports within four days of an attack, yet do nothing about a country that attacks us twice in nine months and martyrs our leader? The principle of sport is for peace, friendship, and interaction between nations. A country that hosts the Olympics should not be talking about war."

The Minister of Sports and Youth emphasized that, under the current circumstances, the necessary preparations for the national football team’s participation in the World Cup have still been made in accordance with government policy. He added, "The people should know that we are carrying out these preparations with heavy hearts. Do not think we are unaware of their pain. Overall, good training camps have been held, and we have achieved acceptable results in friendly matches. We thank our brothers in Turkey for hosting us. They showed sincere feelings regarding the war against Iran and wished us victory."

Donyamali ordered that the necessary equipment for the national football team be purchased and provided as soon as possible, saying: "We must do our duty properly. Iran’s honor and pride matter to us, so we will not fail. We will try to provide the national team with all necessary facilities and resources."

The Minister of Sports and Youth was then briefed on the latest developments at the Team Melli training camp and heard the opinions and suggestions of representatives from the ministry, relevant organizations, and members of the Football Federation’s board of directors.

Mahroughi still hopeful to join Team Melli camp

Ehsan Mahroughi, a striker playing for Foolad Khuzestan club, says he was unable to attend the Team Melli training camp due to a respiratory illness.

The 27-year-old striker Mahroughi was one of the excellent players in the Foolad Khuzestan coached by former Team Melli player, Yaha Golmohammadi. The player was invited to the Team Melli camp by Amir Ghalenoeif, but had to withdraw due to a respiratory illness.
He was replaced by Pouria Shahrabadi, a player from Golgohar Sirjan.

Mahrooghi told Tasnim: "I contracted a viral illness and had trouble breathing, so I was unable to participate in the national team's training. This was bad luck for me, and I would have liked to be in the camp. I am in a much better condition now, and I hope to be added to the national team camp soon after I fully recover."

The camp is active in Tehran, with all the invited players on the roster taking part in training.

Mehdi Taj "Iran Ready for World Cup, despite US government hostalities"

The head of the Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran (FFIRI) has addressed the situation of the national football team regarding the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, expressing deep concern over American hostility while reaffirming Iran's determination to prepare vigorously for the tournament.

"Given the evils of the American authorities, we do not see a favorable prospect for holding the World Cup under current conditions," the FFIRI chief stated. "Nevertheless, we are preparing ourselves for a strong and honorable presence in these competitions."

He confirmed that the list of national team players for the upcoming camp has been announced, with training set to begin Monday at the national teams' camp in Tehran. "Our effort is to ensure that there is no disruption to the national team's preparation process," he added.

Common Goal: World Cup Qualification and Honor

Referring to Team Melli's objectives, the FFIRI head emphasized national unity: "All our efforts are to prepare the national team for a strong presence on the path to qualifying for the World Cup. The federation, the country's sports complex, and the people all support the national team. Our common goal is to advance and participate honorably in the World Cup."

Request to Move Matches to Mexico. No Final Decision Yet

Regarding the FFIRI's formal request to change the venue for Iran's matches from the United States to Mexico, the official provided an update: "Requests have been made, and follow-ups are ongoing regarding moving the venue of the games to Mexico. However, FIFA has already carried out processes such as ticket sales, the lottery, and stadium determinations. Any change requires extensive coordination. We are following up so that this important step can be taken if possible."

He clarified that no final decision has been made, and the outcome depends on FIFA's cooperation and security assurances from host authorities.
The FIFA President has already confirmed that there is no chance of Iran's matches being moved to Mexico.

Warm-up Match with Spain Still Under Review

On the possibility of a friendly match with Spain, the FFIRI head said: "The match with Spain has not yet been finalized for cancellation. We are still discussing whether the conditions for holding this warm-up match will be met. This issue is being followed up, and an announcement will be made if it is finalized."

No Interference in Player Selection – Denis Eckert Addition Planned

Addressing rumors about Sardar Azmoun's invitation to the national team camp, the FFIRI chief stressed: "The head of the federation does not interfere in the selection or invitation of any player. The selection of players, determining the main squad, and selecting warm-up opponents are within the authority of the national team head coach. The federation does not interfere in which player must be in the permanent squad or in technical decisions. We provide the frameworks and facilities; the technical decisions are the responsibility of the head coach."
The exclusion of Sardar Azmoun from Iran's last two friendlies against Nigeria and Costa Rica, allegedly over a social media post showing him with the Ruler of Dubai, has become the catalyst for what many view as a politically motivated decision. To date, no official explanation has been provided for his absence. Neither the FFIRI, head coach Amir Ghalenoei, nor any other authoritative source has offered a reason for sidelining Team Melli's second-highest all-time scorer.

The lack of transparency has fueled speculation, especially given that Azmoun is now fully fit and is set to play in the AFC Champions League Elite semi-final on Monday.

Mehdi Taj also confirmed a new addition: "We have planned to add a striker from Belgium, Denis Eckert, to the national team."

Amir Ghalenoei

Iran’s Parliament Pushes for World Cup Participation, but Final Decision Hinges on U.S. Security Assurances

Tehran – Amid widespread popular enthusiasm and a clear political will to compete on the global stage, Iran’s Parliamentary Cultural Commission has confirmed that a specialized committee is actively reviewing the conditions for Team Melli’s potential participation in the FIFA World Cup 2026 in the United States. However, officials stress that no final decision has been reached, and any move forward is contingent on binding security guarantees from hostile U.S. authorities.

Strong Domestic Desire to Compete

Speaking to reporters, Ahmad Rastineh, spokesman for the Islamic Consultative Assembly’s Cultural Commission, underscored that both the Iranian public and political establishment are keenly determined to see Iran’s national team at the World Cup. Following a recent meeting with Ahmad Donyamali, Minister of Sports and Youth, and his deputies, Rastineh noted that participation in the 2026 World Cup is viewed as a matter of national pride and sporting excellence.

“The meeting extensively discussed the need for better planning to prepare national teams for Asian and world competitions, as well as securing future Olympic quotas,” Rastineh said. “Given the immense importance of the World Cup, detailed discussions were held with the minister and commission members. The popular demand and political inclination to participate are very strong, and we are exploring every avenue to make this happen.”

No Final Decision: Awaiting U.S. Assurances

Despite the widespread desire to attend the tournament, Rastineh made it clear that a final decision has not yet been made. The primary obstacle remains the absence of reliable security guarantees from U.S. authorities, whom Iranian officials characterize as a hostile government.

“In light of the multifaceted nature of these competitions and the conditions that occurred during past tensions—specifically the hostile atmosphere created by U.S. authorities—the need to form a specialized working group was emphasized,” Rastineh explained. “It was decided that a final decision will be made soon, but only after receiving concrete assurances from American officials regarding the safety and dignity of Iran’s national team delegation, including players, coaches, and accompanying personnel.”

He added that until such guarantees are provided and thoroughly vetted, the Islamic Republic will not commit to sending Team Melli to the United States, regardless of the strong popular and political inclination to participate.

Looking Ahead

The specialized committee will continue its review, weighing the passionate demands of Iranian football fans against the necessity of securing firm commitments from U.S. authorities. For now, Iran’s World Cup hopes remain alive, but officially on hold.

Meanwhile, Team Melli held its first training session under Amir Ghalenoei in preparation for the World Cup. 30 domestic league players are involved in the training camp. Iran matches are to be held in Los Angeles and Seattle.