Ali Sanei , the head coach of Futsal Team Melli , has announced a list of 17 players who are selected to participate in the upcoming training camp. The camp will be in preparation for the FIFA Futsal World Cup 2012 which will be held in Thailand. The competition  will start on November 1th and ends on November 18th. Iran in in group B with, title contender Spain, Morocco and Panama.

Notable absentee from the list is former Captain Vahid Shamsaei.

During the training camp , Futsal Team Melli will play two friendly games against Russia from September 17th.

DATE	TIME	COMPETETION	STAGE	TEAM HOME	TEAM AWAY	VENUE
Friday , May 29 2026	16:00 16:30 IRST	International Friendly		GAMBIA	IRAN	Corendon Airlines Park, Antaliya
Monday, June 15, 2026	04:00 / 04:30 IRST 02:00 BST 18:00 ET	FIFA World Cup 2026	Group Stage - Group G	IRAN	NEW ZEALAND	SoFi Stadium, Inglewood
Sunday, June 21, 2026	22:00 / 22:30 IRST 20:00 BST 12:00 ET	FIFA World Cup 2026	Group Stage - Group G	BELGIUM	IRAN	SoFi Stadium, Inglewood
Friday, June 26, 2026	06:00 / 06:30 IRST 04:00 BST 20:00 ET	FIFA World Cup 2026	Group Stage - Group G	EGYPT	IRAN	Lumen Field, Seattle
Saturday, January 9th , 2026			Group Stage - GROUP C	IRAN	CHINA	Kingdom Aren , Riyadh
Wednesday, January 13th , 2026			Group Stage - GROUP C	KYRGYZ REP	IRAN	Al Shabab Stadium, Riyadh
Monday, January 18th , 2026			Group Stage - GROUP C	IRAN	SYRIA	King Fahd Sports City Stadium, Riyadh

Carlos Queiroz , the Portuguese coach of Team Melli , discussed the plans for the to the crucial World Cup Qualifying match against Lebanon in Beirut. In an interview , Queiroz also talked about several other issues including the training camp in Hungary . Tunisia match , participation in WAFF and the friendly match with Jordan. In a remarkable quote , he admitted that technical merits are not always the catalyst for player selection in Team Melli but there are administrative issues as well.

Q)    Kindly explain the latest status with Team Melli in preparation for the Lebanon game?

A)    We had laid down the plan for the match against Lebanon including training camps. All the items have been carried out according to that plan. The team will meet up at 17:00 on 29 of August in National Training Academy and 18:00 on that day we will start our training. The next day at 5:00 am we will leave to Jordan and we will train there until September 10. On September 7 we will have our friendly with Jordan and after September 10 we will travel to Lebanon. I have analyzed the league games & players, the Lebanese players as well. I will go also attend the Lebanon vs. Australia to closely gather data and check on the opponent.

Q)    Are you satisfied by your new players? (The ones who played in the Tunisia match)
A)    Yes I am satisfied and I have to say Maziar Zare did exactly what I have expected of him when he played in a new role in the center back position. I have full trust in him to be a reliable option. Omid Nazari played his first game and showed a good confidence and performed reasonably well.

Q)    What about About Goochinejad?

A)    Reza was available for us in the Hungary camp. He was well prepared and applied himself quite well. I was prepared to give him his first test against Tunisia. I must say that I was quite disappointed to find out on the day of the match against Tunisia that his documents were not complete. I am currently pursuing this matter personally and in constant communication with IFF President to sort his issue in order not to repeat such problems in future.

Q)    What was the issues with players that failed to join the camp in Hungary (Mohsen Forouzan and Haghighi) ?
A)    As many fans are aware and has been announced in some websites , unfortunately both players and three other administration and support staff , due to some administration issues , were denied a visa and could not travel with us e camp

 list of players does not fully reflect the technical views of the coaching team.

Q)     Recently , there has been some criticism with the list of invited  players. There were some players who performed quite well in the league but where not given a fair chance , what is your views on such claims?
A)      I think some of the comments are reasonable and fair. But unfortunately sometimes the people need to know the list of players does not fully reflect the technical views of the coaching team. When we were initially asked to name the squad, the league has not started yet! BUT, we had to give such a list two weeks ahead of commencement of the competitions. Everyone knows that we are restricted by and have to consider administrative issues and not totally base our selection on technical merits.This recent Training camp in Hungary was an example. The Hungarian Embassy required a minimum of two week for visa application. What I can assure you of, though , is that  95% of the players that I wanted were actually in the camp.

Q)    Were you satisfied from the camp and the match against Tunisia?
A)     Very satisfied . My only disappointment was the result of the match which did not reflect our form and superiority in that match.  We deserved to win.

Q)   Despite your clarification , there are still criticism that some key players are missing from your squad.

A)   We must respect those viewpoints, because in football there are so many varying opinions. But . some of those criticism were about players that were not able to get a visa on time for the camp, while other viewpoints were not creditable enough to be worthy of a response from us.

Q)   Can you elaborate on your answer ?
A)   More precisely? No , but right to the point , I can tell you that many experts in Iran’s football say things that shocks me. They talk about modern tactics and game plans why themselves do not know the Team Mell players positions. To give you an example, I will explain more about it later for those who don’t understand what I’m saying.

WAFF would be an ideal opportunity for us.

Q)    Have you made any plans for the WAFF tournament yet?
A)    Yes after my discussions with Kaffashian , we came up with a decision to have our strongest lineup for this competition , taking into consideration two main issues: .

1) We will coordinate with the League clubs coaches to ensure minimal disruption to the league program and those teams training plans during this competition.

    2) Despite selecting our strongest squad, we wish to give the opportunity for Team Melli players who have not been able to get much playing time. This would be an ideal opportunity for us.

Q)    What is your opinion about the Hazfi Cup?

A)    The Head of IFF (Kaffashian) has coordinated a meeting between the league commission and Team Melli department at which the issue of League program and Cup competition was discussed . The objective was to minimize the pressure of the matches on Team Mell preparation. The League commission declared that they will not be able to reduce the team numbers , however, and exceptional for one season , it was announced that the Hazfi Cup can be dispensed with. That was my recollection from that

 Q)    What was your personal opinion on this subject?

A)    I don’t like to be quoted in the media on such matters. If I say anything it will probably be misquoted and further misunderstanding will be created.

We can make it to Brazil if we work hard at it

Q)    What is your general opinion about TM since you have been coaching?
A)    Up until now we have had 18 games where 10 games we have won, 6 ties, and 1 loss. 40 goals scored, 10 goals conceded. Based on these results I believe that our performance could have been better. I have to say our performances against Qatar and Tunisia could have been much better but other than that I am satisfied with my team’s performance.

A)     Now that we are in the second round of qualifications what is your view on us qualifying to the world cup?
Q)      Let us not lie to ourselves and pretend that we will easily qualify. Our path to the world cup is a long one and we will experience some difficulties on our way as well as some sweet moments. The others will be facing similar difficulties as us.  I will emphasize though that WE , and I stress on the word “We” meaning a collective effort by the League clubs, coaches, etc. can make it to Brazil if we work hard at it.

Bangkok

Fifa.com

Team Melli was group with the powerful Spain in the Official Draw for the FIFA Futsal World Cup Thailand 2012, which took place this Friday 24 August at the St. Regis Hotel in Bangkok, with guests including FIFA Executive Committee member Manilal Fernando and Local Organising Committee Chairman Suwat Lipatapallop.

The Draw was carried out by Jaime Yarza, FIFA’s Senior Manager of Futsal and Beach Soccer Competitions. Helping him were Thai boxer Somluck Kamsing, who won a gold medal at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, former Thai football international Kiatisuk ‘Zico’ Senamuang, as well as Natpimol Natthayalack and Warudthaya Wongchayapon  who finished first and third respectively at the Miss Universe Thailand 2012 competition.

This is the seventh hosting of the event and 24 countries are involved this time around, split into six groups. Hosts Thailand are in Group A and will be hoping to overcome Costa Rica, Ukraine and Paraguay to make it through to the Round of 16.

Reigning FIFA Futsal World Cup winners Brazil were the first team drawn in Group C and will face experienced opponents from three different continents in the shape of Japan, Libya and Portugal. Spain meanwhile, who on paper are the team most likely to dent the South American title-holder’s chances of a repeat performance, find themselves in Group B alongside Iran, Panama and Morocco.

Group D looks to be the most balanced of the six, with Argentina, Mexico, Italy and Australia all having the potential to make it through to the knock-out stages.

The tournament begins on 1 November with the final being held in Bangkok on 18 November. The Thai capital has three matchday venues, while Nakhon Ratchasima will also be hosting games.

The 24 participating teams were drawn in six groups of four, with the top two from each group going through to the Round of 16 along with the four best third-placed teams.

Group A: Thailand, Costa Rica, Ukraine, Paraguay
Group B: Spain, Iran, Panama, Morocco
Group C: Brazil, Japan, Libya, Portugal
Group D: Argentina, Mexico, Italy, Australia
Group E: Egypt, Serbia, Czech Republic, Kuwait
Group F: Russia, Solomon Islands, Guatemala, Colombia

The new Futsal World Cup Trophy was also presented during the Official Draw. It has been designed and created by Thomas Fattorini Ltd. in Birmingham, England and comprises five gold and five silver rods which represent two teams of five players each. It is 48 centimetres high, weighs 4.6 kilogrammes and is made up of sterling silver, stainless steel, copper, lead and zinc.

Tickets are already on sale for the FIFA Futsal World Cup Thailand 2012, with matches being played in Bangkok (at the Bangkok Futsal Arena, the Indoor Stadium Huamark and the Nimibuth Stadium) and Nakhon Ratchasima (at the Gen. Chatchai Choonhawan Arena Nakornratchasima). For more information, click on the link on the right-hand side of the page.

BANGKOK

The draw for the 2012 Fifa Futsal World Cup in Thailand will be held on Friday.

The tournament will be held from Nov 1-18 in Bangkok and Nakhon Ratchasima.

The four venues are Bangkok Futsal Arena, Indoor Stadium and Nimibut Stadium in Bangkok and Korat Chatchai Hall in Nakhon Ratchasima.

There will be 24 teams in the tournament and they will be divided into six four-team groups. Iran’s Team Melli was ranked third in this year’s championship held in the UAE.

The top two teams in each group plus four best third placed sides will reach the next round.

The Thai national team will play Spain in two warm-up games at Nimibut Stadium on Friday at 6pm and at Korat Chatchai Hall at 5pm on Sunday.

Tickets starting from 100 baht are available at Thai Ticket Major (www.thaiticketmajor.com).

The 24 participants are:

Europe: Spain, Portugal, Italy, Russia, the Czech Republic, Serbia and Ukraine.

Africa: Morocco, Libya and Egypt.

North and Central America: Mexico, Guatemala, Panama and Costa Rica.

South America: Brazil (champions), Argentina, Paraguay and Colombia

Oceania: Solomon Islands.

Asia: Iran, Japan, Kuwait, Australia and Thailand (hosts).

HO CHI MINH CITY

Iran’s youth team will be taking part in a 4 side AFF U19 TOURNAMENT 2012 which will be played in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam from 2 – 8 September 2012.

Under 19-year squad will line up against Australia, Uzbekistan and host Vietnam in the competition as part of their preparations for the AFC U-19 Championship which will be held in the United Arab Emirates in November, which will also serve as the qualifiers for the 2013 FIFA U-20 World Cup to be held in Turkey next June/July.
Iran have been announced as the a replacement for Thailand who announced their withdrawal for the Asean Football Federation Tournament early in August.

Alongside Iran will be hosts Vietnam, Uzbekistan and Australia which will make the tournament this year nothing short of being ultra-competitive.
Akbar Mohammady , the Team Melli U19 Youth Coach, announced the name of 26 players for the tournament. The squad will be training in the National Training Camp in Azadi until their departure to Vietnam for the tournament.

Iran U 19 SQUAD
Roozbeh Chashmi , Ali Mohsenzadeh, Alireza Ramezani  (Moghavamat Tehran)

Vahid Heydarieh (Peykan)

Mohammad Hossein Canaani Zadegan (Perspolis)

Behnam Barzay, Mohammad Borhani (Sanat Naft Abadan )

Yusuf Vakya , Walid Mashaaei zadeh, Reza Ahmadi , Ahmed Abdullah Zadeh, Amin Jehan-Kohan,  Ali Akbar Ahaki,(Foolad Khuzestan)

Sardar Azmoon, Ali Choobani, Mohammad Nasseri ,   Hossein Moradmand, Hossein Fazeli,  (Sepahan Esfahan)

Alireza Jahanbakhsh (Damash Gilan)

Farshid Esmaeili, Mohammad Daneshgar (Fajr Sepasi )

Ehsan Pahlavan (Gostarish Foolad Tabriz)

Ehsan Kiani,  Ahmad Eskandari, , Mohammad Ali Faramarzi, Davoud Bahaduri, Mohammad Hossein Heydari, Hojat Sedghi, Omid Ghorbani

AFF UNDER-19 CHAMPIONSHIP FIXTURES

Date Match No.   Teams                       Time  Venue
———————————————————————
2 Sept 2012  1  Australia vs Uzbekistan      1600  Thong Nhat Stadium
             2  IR Iran vs Vietnam           1830
4 Sept 2012  3  Uzbekistan vs IR Iran        1600  Thong Nhat Stadium
             4  Vietnam vs Australia         1830
6 Sept 2012  5  Australia vs IR Iran         1600  Thong Nhat Stadium
             6  Uzbekistan vs Vietnam        1830
8 Sept 2012  7  3rd Position match           1600  Thong Nhat Stadium
             8  Final match                  1830

Team Melli training camp in Jordan will commence on 1st September in preparation of the crucial game against Lebanon as part of the qualifying match for FIFA World Cup 2014 in Brazil.

Khosrow. Valyzadeh , the communications manager for the national teams, announced the news to the media. According to the arranged program , the national team will fly to Amman on 31^st August and set up camp in the Jordanian capital. The program includes a friendly international match with the host country on 4th September. The training camp will continue in Amman before traveling to Beirut a couple of days before the match with Lebanon due on the 11^th of September 2012.

Asked whether Team Melli will have any training programs or Mini camps before their travel to Jordan, Valyzadeh responded that currently, there is no such arrangement for a local camp. One of the reasons for holding the national team camp in Jordan is due to the accommodations difficulties during the busy upcoming period and expected full occupancy of hotels during the Non-Aligned Summit conference. That is why the program is arranged as such and the camp to be set up camp in Jordan.

Asked about the status of the Iranian Dutch player Reza Ghoochannejad who joined the Team Melli camp in Hungary but was not eligible to play for Iran, Valyzadeh said that the player’s documents were incomplete and during the camp he managed to produce the required documents, and since we gathered all the required papers and sent it to FIFA. He also added that there is another outstanding issue with Ghoochannejad and that is his Military Service. This has to be resolved by all parties concerned but especially the player himself with the authorities. We hope that this would be resolved soon.

On the issue of Masoud Shojaei , Valyzadeh said that the Osasuna player , who was sidelined for 15 months due to long term injury , was part of the list that was originally submitted by Carlos Queiroz for the Hungary camp. But due to the request by Osasuna Club , he was not invited to join the Team Melli camp to allow Shojaei more time to return back to his form by training with his club and under the supervision of the Osasuna medical staff who are well aware of his condition and could work better with the player in case of any complications.

About the possible availability for Shojaei to be part of the squad to play Lebanon, he said that we are hopeful that Shojaei will be able to make it. However, it all depends on his physical condition and whether he achieves the required form in time for the match.

Team Melli is currently second in the Group behind South Korea with 4 points just ahead of Qatar with also 4 points but inferior goal differences.

Tehran

Team Melli has secured the services of yet another European based Iranian expatriate holding dual nationality. This time , a Dutch player who plays for a Belgian Team. Reza Ghoochannejad , was selected by Carlos Queiroz for Team Melli camp held in Hungary. Ghoochannejad made the trip to Budapest but he was prevented from playing the friendly against Tunisia due to some hold up on the FIFA clearance would would enable him to play for Iran.
The new joiner to the National Team expressed his delight and satisfaction with the team’s camp says that atmosphere in the camp was quite refreshing and is very delighted and honored to join Team Melli and play for Iran. He considers himself an Iranian in and out and very verse with the Persian culture.

The 24 years old player , who currently plays for Sint-Truiden in the Belgian Pro League, made his debut in professional football in April 2006 for SC Heerenveen in a home match against AZ as a replacement for Fernando Derveld. Ghoochannejhad. During an exhibition game at the end of the season he was a seriously injury. Recuperation followed at the Frisian club. During the season he played again at SC Heerenveen, but did was restricted in to the second string side and could not make the first team. The same was true of the first half of the following season 2008-09, but after the winter break, Ghoochannejhad  saw first team action when he was loaned to  FC Emmen.
On June 17, 2011 Reza Ghoochannejhad transferred to Sint-Truiden. The duration of his contract with STVV is for 3 years. His first goal in the Belgian Pro League came against the Belgian powerhouse club, Club Brugge. Despite injury woes that kept him sidelined for several weeks he still managed to net 12 times in 22 appearances for Sint Truidense  , a feat that attracted interest from clubs  in Germany, Netherlands and Belgium.
His team , however , was relegated.
Born in Mashhad, Iran Ghoochannejhad migrated to the Netherlands with his family when he was a child. He has studied Politics at university, and is also known to be musically inclined and talented on the Violin.
His original post is offensive midfielder or right back, but he can also play on the offensive line.
On the possibilities of a transfer to another  club , he said: “It is not clear yet what my new team would be . I heard that several clubs from Belgium, Holland, Germany and Austria are interested. I have to pick up my new team soon, but still  have a chance until September. I also had a proposal from Standard Liege but could not agree terms. I like to play at top level in a respectable league.”
Ghoochannejhad was very motivated to play for Team Melli. He said that the previous coach , Afshin Ghotbi has monitored him and also talked to him about joining Team Melli , but he could not agree with the terms given to him then. Later on , he was told that Carlos Queiroz was in the stadium watching him. He was not aware of that and did not meet Queiroz, who made contact at a later stage. He was quite happy to oblige and show both his love for his roots and his footballing skills to his Iranian compatriots. “

Pampalona

 The Osasuna and Team Melli player who has been on the long term injury list , is on his way to full recovery .

Masoud Shojaei-Soleimani missed nearly a whole season and a half after has suffered an injury that refused to heal and took much longer than anticipated.

The Iranian midfielder whose career was held in balance at Osasuna , declared on Thursday at a press conference in Nakhonar “I am currently in good physical condition. But still not 100% but so much better than before.  In every practice and every game, my confidence & condition are getting better. Fortunately, I do not feel any pain or discomfort in my feet, but I need to take it step by step to reach the ideal conditions.”

He added ” I have lost weight and I am a bit lighter that before my injury , that is normal  after a long injury. I needs to have some time to go back to its ideal physical condition.”

Masoud Shojaei , who was sidelined due to finger fracture in his left foot and was 15 months away from the football, pointed out that “During the time of my recuperation ,  I did not have any thoughts of saying goodbye to football, , but sometimes it was too frustrating,  especially when I was told at San Miguel clinic that I needed to have yet another surgery on my feet. While I was waiting for the medical staff to tell me that I am ready to return to the football fields. That news was devastating”

During his long term injury , Shojaei said that he really felt that the club was supporting him and that feeling was quite valuable to him. At no stage he felt abandoned or forgotten by Osasuna club and his teammates. He said at that time he did not feel homesick because he felt home here in Pampalona.  ” I received all kinds of support. I can only thank everyone.I love them, I do not know how to respond to their kindness.”

Masoud Shojaei commenting on his first game for Osasuna after returning to the field, said he loved it but it was a very slow start. I did play bad because I wanted to do things calmly, but my coach encouraged me and comforted me after that no so good of a display. I am quite excited for a new season at Osasuna in the La Liga to begin and I want to prove myself.

Esteghlal Tehran player and Team Melli Captain,  Javad Nekounam made his126th Team Melli international cap to pass Ali KArimi as the second highest player after Ali Daei.

While Nekounam was absent from several Team Melli international friendlies during his time in Spain , it was quite possible to see him approach or even exceed Ali Daei’s record of 149 caps.

The table below list the players who have played 50 or more caps for Team Melli along with other stats.

Rank

Name

Openin.

Subst.

Total

Goals

Yellows

Reds

Budapest  August 15^th , 2012

 Iran drew with Tunisias 2-2 in a friendly internationa match held in Széktói, Kecskemét, Hungary. The match which was in the conclusion of a week-long training camp in Budapest , ended scoreless at half time with Iran having more of the possession and creating several scoring opportunities.

In the first chance , as early as the 3^rd minute , Ashkan Dejageh ball was cleared just before passing the goal line , while Karim Ansarifard , missed am easy ball while he was beautifully fed by Ali Karimi leaving him facing the goalkeeper with no marker in sight. Ansarifard blasted the ball off mark. Dejageh again found himself one on one with the Tunisian Keeper later on in the half . He dribbled past the advancing keeper with ease , but his feeble shoot towards the empty goal was intercepted by the advancing Tunisian defender for yet another chance to go astray.

In the second half , on the 53^th minute, Iran soon found the goal from clever work by Ashkan Dejageh , who fed Heydari with a clever ball on the right flank. The Esteghlal defender , went past his marker and penetrated into the box and passed a perfect ball to Mohammadreza Khaltabry , who had ample time to receive and control the ball before smashing it into the goal past the helpless goalkeeper and defenders.

But the Iranians joy was short lived as three minutes later , Tunis equalized when substitute Ammerl Jemel , tapped a simple ball into the net past Rahmati. The goals was gifted to the Tunisians due to some poor marking and clearance which allowed the Tunisian winger to play simple pass to Jemel t

The Iranians retored the lead on the hour when another piece of clever football yielded result. Khaltabary on the left wing , played havoc with his two Tunisian defenders and he slalomed his way with ease passing them to cross a delicately measure inch perfect ball to the advancing Mohammad Ghazi , for the Perspolis forward to head home , Iran’s second. Ghazi was slightly injured when the Tunisian goalkeeper clashed into him trying to intercept Khalatbary’s cross.

Iran still managed to control the match , but yet another momentary lapse of concentration and another poor timing by Mehdi Rahmati cost Iran the match . A long cross from the right found Jomaaa, the Tunisian Substitute with plenty of time to jump and head the ball while two central defenders ball watches. Rahmati , in one of his classical misjudgment of the flight of the ball, allowed the ball to pass him while it could have been easily saved.

A last minute plea for a penalty by Javad Nekounam after the bal hitthe Tunisisan defendewrs armwas waved on by the Hungarian referee for the match to end in a tie.

Overall, it was a much better performance for Team Melli with some positive and organized football played by the Iranians. Omid Nazari , the Iranian-Swedish player made his debut , while there was no sign of Ghoochinejad the other new player in the squad.

Carlos Queiroz Iran’s national football team coach, in a post-match interview after the friendly match between Team Melli and Tunisia  played in in Hungary , that the his team’s performance in this match was better than the results obtained.

“We had several one to one situations that did not yield any results. Unfortunately , we also concede two very simple goals. Of course ,it is not an individual fault but the overall team’s responsibility.” He added.

“ In general , I was not really satisfied with the results , because it was lower than I expected. We have wasted a good chance of winning this game. However , I am not too concerned , as there is no problem in this team that cannot be resolved(…)”

Queiroz  then explained the circumstances behind conceding those two simple goals “
“We lost concentration in the two moments that we conceded the goals. We also allowed the Tunisians to exert pressure on us during the times that we conceded the goals.  The positive point of our team, was the creation of many scoring chances which in itself is encouraging. While the fact that we rarely allowed the opposition to reach our goal . was another positive aspect. I think we are doing a good job and we are moving forward and am excited for the next camp because I have this mentality that we were fully prepared to meet in Lebanon.”

Iran’s coach commented about the players, especially the new players and said, “I am satisfied with the performance of the Omid Nazari. He had high concentration throughout the game and he looked like he was a veteran rather than a rookie in the team.

“I am satisfied with the performance of the team but I am so upset with the result”

“I was quite excited to have Ghoochanejad in the match as he trained very well with us since he joined the squad. However , the FIFA documents allowing him to  play with Iran was not issued in time . I was quite satisfied with Maziyar Zare in his new role in the center of defense as well. He did a good job. I am comfortable to have another solid defender in this position now.”.

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