Tag: FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers

A Blooper for the Ages: Moghanlou’s Shocking Miss Against North Korea

One of the most embarrassing moments in Iranian football history unfolded during Team Melli’s match against North Korea at Azadi Stadium on Tuesday. Despite having already secured qualification in March, two rounds before the end of the campaign, Iran’s performance, or lack thereof, left fans in disbelief.

A Disjointed First Half

With several key players absent, head coach Amir Ghalenoei’s experimental lineup failed to click from the start. Ghalenoei, already a frequent target of social media criticism for his questionable substitutions, outdid himself this time with a decision that will be remembered for all the wrong reasons.

When young debutant Razzaghinia went down with an injury in the first half, Ghalenoei turned to his bench for a replacement. In a baffling move, he brought on Shahriar Moghanlou, a decision that defied logic and raised serious questions about player selection criteria.

The Miss That Summed It All Up

The defining moment came in the 37th minute. Mohammad Mohebi, after skillfully bypassing North Korea’s defense, found himself one-on-one with the goalkeeper. Rather than taking the shot himself, he unselfishly squared the ball to Moghanlou, who had an open net in front of him.

What followed was pure farce.

Moghanlou, with no pressure and the entire goal at his mercy, somehow managed to miss completely, sending his effort wide in a manner more befitting a Sunday league match than an international fixture. The miss wasn’t just a personal embarrassment for the striker; it was a damning indictment of Team Melli’s deeper issues.

Cronyism or Incompetence?

Moghanlou’s inclusion in the squad had already raised eyebrows. The Ittihad Kalba forward, an average player at best in the UAE Pro League, is neither a regular starter for his club nor in particularly good form. His decline over the season made his call-up, and subsequent playing time, all the more perplexing.

Meanwhile, Iran’s domestic league top scorers, Amir Hossein Hosseinzadeh and Ali Alipour, watched from the bench. Both had started in the previous match against Qatar but were far from their best, though the entire team struggled after Milad Mohammadi’s reckless red card left them a man down.

Yet, even accounting for those circumstances, Ghalenoei’s insistence on fielding Moghanlou over proven goalscorers speaks volumes. The incident has reignited accusations of favoritism in Team Melli’s selection process, with critics arguing that meritocracy has taken a backseat to personal preferences.

A Moment That Symbolizes Bigger Problems

Moghanlou’s miss wasn’t just a blooper, it was a microcosm of Iranian football’s recurring struggles: questionable managerial decisions, inconsistent player selection, and a lack of accountability. Unless these systemic issues are addressed, such embarrassments will continue to haunt Team Melli on the international stage.

Victory for Team Melli against North Korea

Tehran:
the-afc.com

Late goals from Mehdi Mohebi, Mehdi Taremi and Amirhossein Hosseinzadeh earned Iran a 3-0 win over 10-man DPR Korea at the Azadi Stadium on Tuesday to seal top spot in Group A of the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26.

The visitors frustrated Amir Ghalenoi’s side until Kye Tam was sent off for a foul on Omid Noorafkan with 24 minutes remaining and the Iranians took advantage, with Mohebi putting his side ahead in the 74th minute and Taremi adding the second three minutes later.

Hosseinzadeh completed the scoring three minutes into injury time with a composed finish on the run.

Victory confirmed the Iranians, who secured their qualification for the FIFA World Cup in March, as the winners of Group A ahead Uzbekistan while DPR Korea finished rooted to the bottom of the standings at the completion of the third phase of the AFC Asian Qualifiers.

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Iranian captain Taremi had presented the DPR Korea defence with a constant threat throughout the opening exchanges, the Inter Milan forward forcing goalkeeper Kang Ju Hyok into a pair of early saves.

His first attempt came in the ninth minute as he unleashed a low drive from 20 yards out that Kang did well to keep out with a dive to his right.

Kang was on hand two minutes later to deny Arya Yousefi’s attempt from the corner of the penalty area while Taremi was frustrated at much closer range, the striker seeing his attempt to side foot an effort from seven yards out blocked by the goalkeeper.

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The Iranian pressure continued with Mohebi powering a left-foot drive towards goal from outside the area, but the shot just drifted wide.

After weathering that initial period of dominance from the home side, DPR Korea started to impose themselves on proceedings. Ra Myong Song’s first-time effort was blocked by Saeid Ezatolahi in the 26th minute as Sin Yong Nam’s side finally threatened.

However, the home side should have taken the lead seven minutes before the break. Mohebi was released behind the defence before feeding the ball through to unmarked Shahriyar Moghanloo, but the substitute somehow dragged his shot wide of the target.

Group A: IR Iran v DPR Korea

Having been second-best for much of the first half, DPR Korea almost went in front on the hour mark with Iranian goalkeeper Seyed Hossein Hosseini forced to tip Ri Il Son’g s shot from distance over the bar.

But Kye Tam’s reckless challenge on Noorafkan with 24 minutes remaining saw referee Muhammad Nasaruddin dismiss the midfielder and, within eight minutes, IR Iran went in front.

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Noorafkan’s centre from the left skipped through the penalty area towards the unmarked Mohebi, and he slotted past Kang.

Taremi then doubled the lead with a downward header from eight yards out from Mohebi’s clipped cross from the right and Hosseinzadeh put the seal on the win when he raced onto Taremi’s pass to slot beyond Kang.

Sardar Azmoun’s Injury Raises Concerns Ahead of Iran’s World Cup Qualifiers

Sardar Azmoun’s absence from Shabab Al-Ahli’s recent match against Al-Jazira in the ADNOC Pro League has reignited concerns over the severity of his injury and how long he may remain sidelined. The Iranian striker’s condition was visibly serious—he even attended his team’s championship celebrations using a cane, raising further questions about his recovery timeline.

With Iran’s final two World Cup qualifiers against Qatar (June 5) and North Korea (June 10) fast approaching, Azmoun’s availability for Team Melli under head coach Amir Ghalenoei is now in serious doubt. Emirati media reports suggest the injury could keep him out for at least six weeks, effectively ruling him out of the upcoming fixtures.

Azmoun’s potential absence poses a significant challenge for Ghalenoei, given the striker’s pivotal role in Iran’s attack. Although Team Melli has already secured early qualification for the 2026 World Cup, improving their FIFA ranking remains a key objective for the coaching staff. Additionally, maintaining squad cohesion and sharpness ahead of major tournaments is crucial, and losing a player of Azmoun’s caliber disrupts those plans.

However, his absence could also present an opportunity for other forwards to step up and prove their worth in the national team setup. As Iran prepares for its upcoming matches, all eyes will be on how Ghalenoei adjusts his tactics to compensate for the potential loss of one of his star players.

Mashhad Loses Hosting Rights for Iran vs. North Korea World Cup Qualifier Amid Infrastructure and Logistical Failures

Mashhad, Iran – The Iranian national football team’s final 2026 World Cup qualifying match against North Korea, originally scheduled to take place at Mashhad’s Imam Reza Stadium, has been relocated due to persistent infrastructure deficiencies and logistical complications. Despite initial enthusiasm for hosting the game in the holy city, unresolved stadium shortcomings and external pressures have forced the Football Federation to seek an alternative venue.

A Symbolic Request Meets Practical Realities

Team Melli’s head coach, Amir Ghalenoei, had pushed for Imam Reza Stadium as the host venue—not for its technical merits, but to allow players to visit the shrine of Imam Reza (AS). The Football Federation approved the request and submitted the stadium to the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) for approval, initiating efforts to bring the facility up to international standards.

However, what followed was a glaring example of institutional mismanagement.

Imam Reza Stadium Falls Short of AFC Standards

Despite being touted as one of Iran’s most modern stadiums, Imam Reza Stadium failed to meet critical AFC requirements. Key deficiencies included:

  • Inadequate access to the conference hall and mixed zone.
  • No separate spaces for team benches, compromising match protocols.
  • Poor spectator flow, raising safety concerns due to entrance and exit bottlenecks.

Despite repeated meetings between stadium officials and football authorities, these issues remained unresolved—a recurring theme in Iranian football administration.

Political and Social Obstacles Compound the Problem

Beyond infrastructure failures, the decision-making process was further complicated by:

  • Religious hardliners in Mashhad vehemently opposing women’s attendance, creating security concerns.
  • Overwhelming ticket demand, with requests far exceeding the stadium’s 20,000 capacity, risking dangerous overcrowding.

While the Football Federation claimed cooperation from local officials had mitigated some issues, the lingering threats and logistical hurdles made hosting the match in Mashhad untenable.

Another Blunder in Iranian Football’s Long History of Mismanagement

The relocation of this crucial qualifier is not an isolated incident—it is the latest in a series of institutional failures plaguing Iranian football.

  • A Pattern of Poor Planning: Imam Reza Stadium had already proven unfit for high-profile matches, most notably during Team Melli’s previous game there, where female fans were violently barred from entering. Yet, the Federation ignored these warnings, opting instead to indulge Ghalenoei’s sentimental request.
  • Chronic Disorganization: From last-minute venue changes to failure in enforcing AFC standards, Iran’s football authorities have repeatedly demonstrated incompetence and short-term thinking.
  • A Broken System: The fact that Martyrs’ Stadium in Shahr Quds—a venue with its own limitations—is now the likely alternative speaks volumes. Even Tehran’s iconic Azadi Stadium, despite its own issues, was bypassed, suggesting deeper logistical chaos.

Conclusion: A Federation in Disarray

This debacle underscores a harsh truth: Iranian football is being run into the ground by negligence and ineptitude. The Federation had ample time and prior incidents to disqualify Imam Reza Stadium from consideration. Instead, it wasted resources on a doomed proposal, only to scramble for a last-minute solution—a hallmark of its chaotic governance.

Unless drastic reforms are implemented, such embarrassments will continue to haunt Team Melli, both on and off the pitch.

UAE Shocks Football World by Sacking Paulo Bento After Narrow Win Over North Korea

Dubai – In a surprising move, the United Arab Emirates Football Association (UAEFA) has dismissed  the Portuguese Paulo Bento as head coach of the national team—just hours after a dramatic 2-1 victory over North Korea kept their slim 2026 World Cup qualification hopes alive.

The decision has left many observers puzzled, as the UAE remains in contention for a direct qualification spot. They currently sit four points behind second-placed Uzbekistan in Group A of the third round of Asian qualifiers, with two matches remaining. The top two teams from each group secure automatic entry to the 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Bento, who took charge in July 2023, was relieved of his duties alongside his entire coaching staff. The UAEFA announced the decision on social media without providing further details.

Why the Sudden Move?

Despite the win over North Korea—sealed by a late stoppage-time goal—the UAE’s recent form has been inconsistent. A 2-0 loss to Iran just days earlier had already put pressure on Bento’s position.

However, the team still has a realistic chance:

  • Direct qualification: If they overtake Uzbekistan in the final two matches.
  • Playoff route: Finishing third or fourth would enter them into an additional playoff round for one of Asia’s eight guaranteed World Cup spots.

Bento’s Track Record

The 55-year-old Portuguese manager is no stranger to high-stakes football:

  • Led South Korea to the 2022 World Cup knockout stage.
  • Guided Portugal to the Euro 2012 semifinals.
  • Took over the UAE after their previous coach, Rodolfo Arruabarrena, was dismissed.

Meanwhile, Iran became the first team from Group A to secure World Cup qualification after a 2-2 draw against Uzbekistan.

The sudden dismissal raises questions about the UAEFA’s long-term vision, especially with crucial matches looming. Who will replace Bento—and can they salvage the UAE’s World Cup dreams?

 Ghalenoei pays tribute to game-changer Taremi

Tehran: Amir Ghalenoei praised the contribution of Mehdi Taremi after the Inter Milan forward rose to the occasion to help Iran reach a fourth consecutive FIFA World Cup.

Staring at their first World Cup qualifier home defeat since 2012, Ghalenoei needed someone from his team to step up to the plate and Taremi did not disappoint, scoring his second in the 83rd minute to salvage a 2-2 draw against Uzbekistan with the point sufficient to clinch qualification.

#AsianQualifiers - Road To 26 | Group A : IR Iran 2 - 2 Uzbekistan

“A great player must help both technically and physically,” said Ghalenoei. “Taremi is one of them, and even though he plays for a great team and is not in good condition and could have missed the season, he played and was with the team and played for the people. 

“He became the best player on the field and I am happy that in most games, he is the best player on the field from the Iranian national team.”

Ghalenoei went on to reiterate that reaching the Finals in the United States, Canada and Mexico only meant the beginning of more hard work with the wily head coach targeting a first ever knockout stage appearance at the global showpiece.

“I congratulate the Iranian people on this qualification. Qualification was not an easy task. Look at the capabilities of other teams and you will see that the players were able to achieve this qualification through difficult circumstances. 

“We will give a very good plan to the officials in the next two to three weeks and we hope that it will be implemented and we will be able to advance to the Round of 32 in the World Cup.”

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Goals from Hojimat Erkinov and Abbosbek Fayzullaev had given head coach Timur Kapadze hope that Uzbekistan themselves could book their spot at the FIFA World Cup 2026 but it wasn’t to be.

However, the Central Asians are still very much in control of their own destiny as they hold a four-point lead over United Arab Emirates with two matches remaining.

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“First of all, I would like to congratulate the Iranian national team on qualifying for the World Cup and wish them success in this tournament,” said Kapadze. 

“The game was interesting and exciting, both teams had chances. I think the result was fair. We could have beaten Iran, but it didn’t happen.

“The people of Uzbekistan deserve the World Cup and I thank them for their prayers. We are trying to achieve the desired result in the next game and qualify.”

Team Melli Secures Fourth Consecutive FIFA World Cup Qualification After Draw with Uzbekistan

Team Melli has officially qualified for the FIFA World Cup 2026 for the fourth consecutive time and a record seventh time following a hard-fought 2-2 draw against Uzbekistan at Azadi Stadium.

In a tense and thrilling encounter, Uzbekistan stunned Iran early when Jasurbek Erkinov capitalized on a defensive lapse to score in the 16th minute. However, Mehdi Taremi leveled the match in the 52nd minute with a spectacular goal, finishing off a brilliant assist from Sardar Azmoun and a sublime pass by Mehdi Ghaedi.

The celebrations were short-lived, as Uzbekistan quickly regained the lead. Just moments after Iran’s equalizer, Fayzullaev curled in a free kick, with goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand unable to prevent the ball from rolling into the far corner of the net.

Despite the setback, Team Melli remained relentless, dominating possession and pressing forward. Their efforts paid off when Mehdi Taremi struck again, securing Iran’s second equalizer and ensuring the match ended in a 2-2 draw.

With two matches remaining in the qualifiers, Uzbekistan remains in a strong position and is likely to join Iran in securing a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.

However, the post-match atmosphere was bittersweet. While the Iranian squad celebrated their qualification, Alireza Beiranvand was overcome with emotion. The Team Melli goalkeeper broke down in tears, having been repeatedly booed by the crowd—a reaction seemingly tied to his role in Uzbekistan’s second goal and other ongoing issues.

In the other Group A fixture, Kyrgyzstan pulled off an impressive 3-1 victory over Qatar in Bishkek.

Alireza Jahanbaksh heading against Hunt of UAE

Iran v. Uzbekistan: Match Review

Team Melli needs only a draw against Uzbekistan at the Azadi Stadium in Tehran on Tuesday to secure a spot at the 2026 World Cup, joining Japan as confirmed qualifiers.

Iran, aiming for their fourth consecutive World Cup appearance, leads Uzbekistan by three points in Group A and holds a nine-point advantage over the United Arab Emirates with three matches remaining.

In what is arguably the toughest test of their qualification campaign, Iran appears to be the slight favorite in this top-of-the-table clash. With a convincing win against the UAE and a stable squad with minimal changes to the lineup, Ghalenoei’s men are confident. Barring any major lapses in concentration or individual errors, Team Melli should secure their ticket to North America next year.

Meanwhile, Uzbekistan endured a challenging match in the previous round, narrowly defeating Kyrgyzstan. The team also suffered the departure of long-time head coach Srečko Katanec, who resigned due to health issues. His replacement, Timur Kapadze, is no stranger to Iranian football, having played multiple matches against Team Melli during his career.

Iran’s head coach Amir Ghalenoei expressed pride in his team’s performance following their 2-0 victory over the UAE and urged his players to complete their qualification mission ahead of schedule.

Even in the event of a loss, Iran could still qualify if the UAE and Qatar drop points in their respective matches.

For Uzbekistan, this match presents a significant opportunity. If they win and both the UAE and Qatar fail to secure victories, they will qualify for the World Cup. A draw could also be enough if both the UAE and Qatar lose their matches.

Team News

Uzbekistan faces squad challenges, with three players potentially missing the match:

  • Husniddin Alikulov (Rizespor, Turkey) is sidelined due to injury and also missed the match against Kyrgyzstan.
  • Jaloliddin Masharipov (Esteghlal) is suspended due to yellow card accumulation.
  • Oston Orunov, who missed the previous match, remains doubtful but could return to the lineup.

On the Iranian side, Saeid Ezzatollahi has returned to training after missing the UAE match due to injury. With his replacement, Cheshmi, now injured, the Shabab Al-Ahli midfielder may see playing time against Uzbekistan. Additionally, 32-year-old striker Mehdi Taremi remains a doubt for the game.

Pre-Match Insights

At a pre-match press conference, Uzbekistan head coach Timur Kapadze acknowledged the challenge ahead, stating:

“An exciting match awaits us. We know Iran’s strength and understand our own capabilities. We have prepared well, and everyone is ready for the game. We have met Iran several times in recent years and have gathered the necessary information to prepare accordingly.”

Kapadze refrained from comparing past and present Uzbek teams, emphasizing that the current squad represents the strongest generation available.

Regarding missing players, he commented:

“Both Masharipov and Orunov are important, but this is football. Others will step up in their place. Orunov had an injury, and we will assess his readiness. The rest of the squad is fit.”

Uzbek midfielder Abbosbek Fayzullayev (CSKA Moscow) echoed the team’s ambition:

“We are here to win and will give everything to achieve that result.”

Iranian head coach Amir Ghalenoei reflected on his experience in Tashkent, where he received medical assistance from Uzbekistan’s staff, expressing gratitude for their support.

“Uzbekistan has invested heavily in its youth development over the past decade, yielding excellent results. We recognize the challenge ahead.”

Regarding Uzbekistan’s tactical approach, he noted:

“They operate in a 3-4-3 formation and are result-oriented. We have analyzed their system and prepared accordingly. Our match against the UAE was one of our best statistically, and we hope to carry that momentum forward.”

Ghalenoei dismissed suggestions that Iran’s qualification is already assured:

“We have two more finals after this match. Every game is a final because it becomes part of history. Our motivation remains high for all upcoming fixtures.”

On Mehdi Taremi’s availability, he stated:

“His health is our priority. The medical team is assessing him, and we will decide on his participation closer to match time.”

Road to the World Cup

The top two teams from each of Asia’s three groups in the third phase of qualifying advance directly to the World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Teams finishing third and fourth will enter a fourth-round playoff in October.

Japan was the first nation to secure qualification last Thursday.

Iran and Uzbekistan have faced each other three times in the 2026 qualifiers, with all encounters ending in draws. This match will be pivotal in determining the fate of both teams in their journey to the World Cup.

Team Melli players Injury list against Uzbekistan.

Rozbeh Cheshmi, is the latest player on the injury list of Team Melli joining his teammates Saeid Ezatollahie and Mehdi Taremi. The Esteghlal midfielder suffered the injury in the last match against the UAE.

With Mohammad Mohebbi suspended from the match, Iran is short of key players in a match that is quite crucial in the early qualification for the World Cup. Uzbekistan is the main rival of Iran in this group but trailing Iran by three points.
Team Melli requires a draw to qualify for the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Team Melli One Step Away from FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualification After 2-0 Victory Over UAE

Team Melli is now just one point away from securing a spot in the FIFA World Cup 2026 – to be held in Canada, Mexico, and the USA – after defeating the UAE national football team 2-0 at Azadi Stadium.

The match, played under heavy rain, saw a strong turnout from fans but was unexpectedly disrupted due to stadium lighting issues. The Korean referee, Ko, was forced to halt the game for nearly 30 minutes. While television broadcasts did not indicate a significant reduction in visibility, one of the floodlight towers suffered multiple failures, reportedly falling below the minimum requirement for play.

Match Summary

From the opening whistle, Team Melli took the initiative, launching relentless attacks. In the 8th minute, Sardar Azmoun delivered a precise pass to Mohammad Mohebbi, but the Rostov forward squandered a golden opportunity with a weak shot, which UAE goalkeeper Khalid Eissa comfortably cleared.

Iran dominated possession, with midfielders Saman Ghoddos and Roozbeh Cheshmi effectively controlling the game and closing down spaces, preventing the UAE from creating meaningful chances.

The breakthrough came just before halftime when Ghoddos lofted a perfectly placed ball into the box. Azmoun rose above two defenders and powered a header past Eissa, giving Iran a well-deserved 1-0 lead.

The UAE had a rare chance to equalize after an uncharacteristic mistake by Ghoddos, whose misplaced pass was intercepted, leaving the Emirati forward one-on-one with Alireza Beiranvand. However, the striker failed to capitalize, sending his shot wide.

Second Half Action

Iran continued their high-pressing approach in the second half, denying the UAE time on the ball. Midway through the half, Mohebbi seemed to have doubled the lead after an impressive solo run from the halfway line, but his goal was ruled out for a marginal offside.

Mohebbi, however, was not to be denied. Minutes later, he found the net again—this time legally—after receiving a precise assist from Mehdi Ghaedi. His composed finish secured a 2-0 victory, sending the home crowd into celebration.

Despite several missed chances in the latter stages, the win moves Iran within touching distance of their seventh World Cup qualification. Under the guidance of their national coach, Team Melli now needs just a draw in their next match against Uzbekistan to officially book their ticket to the finals.

Mohebbi, who was voted Man of the Match, received a yellow card from referee Ko, ruling him out of the crucial fixture against Uzbekistan on the 25th March.