Tag: FIFA World Cup 2026

Iran to meet Uzbekistan on FIFA day

Tashkent, Uzbekistan — Uzbekistan's national football team will play a series of friendly matches during the upcoming FIFA international window as head coach Fabio Cannavaro continues rebuilding the squad following the country's World Cup debut, the UFA said in a statement.

The Uzbeks are set to face Iran on September 24, with the original schedule naming Fergana's Istiqlol Stadium as the venue, though some regional outlets have more recently reported the match will instead be staged in Tashkent. The Uzbekistan Football Association had been negotiating with Iran's federation over a friendly for weeks, with the fixture only added to the calendar once both sides agreed on the date, organizational terms and venue.

The match continues one of Uzbekistan's most heated regional rivalries. Uzbekistan and Iran were drawn in the same group during 2026 World Cup qualifying, producing tightly contested meetings, including a goalless draw in Tashkent in October 2024. The sides also met twice in the buildup to the tournament, playing to a 2-2 draw in Tehran in March 2025 and a penalty-shootout draw in the United Arab Emirates last November.

On the Iranian side, federation head Mehdi Taj has said his team is scheduling three matches during the September window, one of them against an Asian side that competed at the World Cup — most likely Uzbekistan — alongside a game against Russia and a fixture against a yet-to-be-confirmed European opponent. Taj noted that Iran's federation was determined not to repeat the mistake of skipping high-level friendlies before this year's World Cup, and wants a more rigorous preparation cycle going forward.

For Cannavaro, the Iran match is part of a broader effort to evaluate his squad after Uzbekistan's difficult run at its first-ever World Cup, where the team lost all three group matches, falling to Colombia 3-1, Portugal 5-0 and DR Congo 3-1. One bright spot from the tournament was captain Eldor Shomurodov, whose goal against DR Congo was recognized by FIFA as one of the two best strikes of the World Cup.

Cannavaro has said he intends to use the coming friendlies to rejuvenate the squad, prioritizing players in strong current form over reputation, and to shift the team's tactical setup to a 4-3-3 system. The Iran game is expected to be just the opening test in a packed autumn schedule. Uzbekistan is also finalizing a friendly against Russia, provisionally set for September in Nizhny Novgorod, while a high-profile meeting with Argentina is being planned for September 30 in China, followed by a clash with South Korea on October 6.

Should the Argentina fixture be confirmed, it would rank among Uzbekistan's most high-profile friendlies in years, testing Cannavaro's squad against elite opposition on pace, pressure and individual quality.

The match against Iran will serve as a friendly fixture for the Uzbekistan national team during the upcoming FIFA days. Team Melli will then travel to Kazan, Russia, for another friendly match against Russia.
Both Iran and Uzbekistan played in the FIFA World Cup 2026, with neither of them being able to qualify from their group in the 48-team tournament.

Team Melli's Coaching Future: A Shift in Federation Dynamics

The Evolving Equation of Iran's National Team Bench

The complex calculations surrounding Team Melli's technical leadership have crystallized into a new phase in recent days, as the Football Federation of Iran's (FFIRI) board of directors experiences a notable recalibration of positions. Several board members who previously stood firmly against extending Amir Ghalenoei's contract have now reconsidered their stance, marking a significant development in the ongoing saga of the national team's coaching future.

This transformation in perspective gained momentum following extensive consultations and strategic discussions that have dominated the board's agenda over the past week. The extension of the senior national team head coach's contract has emerged as perhaps the most consequential item among their deliberations, with the issue commanding considerable attention and debate.

The Gradual Shift in Decision-Making Dynamics

The outcome of these intensive consultations has been a gradual yet discernible evolution in the board's decision-making climate. Those who once comprised the opposition faction have increasingly aligned themselves with the continuity camp, advancing the argument that technical stability serves as a crucial prerequisite for the national team's aspirations in the AFC Asian Cup 2027, scheduled to be hosted by Saudi Arabia.

The prevailing sentiment among this reconfigured group suggests that maintaining the existing technical structure would provide the team with the consistency and institutional memory necessary to mount a serious challenge for continental honors. This reasoning appears to have resonated sufficiently to bridge the previously entrenched divisions within the federation's leadership.

An Atmosphere of Anticipation

While no official pronouncement regarding the national team bench's future has materialized, the federation's internal environment has undergone a palpable transformation compared to the tensions of previous weeks. The balance of influence has demonstrably tilted in favor of retaining the incumbent coach through the conclusion of the AFC Asian Cup 2027 campaign in Saudi Arabia.

Should this trajectory persist, it would effectively eliminate any substantive discussion regarding technical staff changes from the federation's agenda, at least until the tournament's completion. Such an outcome would represent a decisive victory for the pro-continuity faction and would establish a clear pathway for the team's preparation cycle.

The Shadow of Political Maneuvering

This apparent leaning toward Ghalenoei's retention has not escaped the scrutiny of observers, many of whom attribute the shift to political calculations and strategic maneuvering rather than an objective assessment of merit and technical competency. These influences, according to analysts, now permeate the corridors of the FFIRI with increasing intensity.

The political dimensions of this decision cannot be understated, as they intersect with broader power dynamics within Iranian football governance. The federation's deliberations appear to reflect considerations that extend beyond purely sporting criteria, raising questions about the decision-making processes that determine the national team's technical direction.

A Record of Unfulfilled Expectations

The context of this shift is particularly noteworthy given Ghalenoei's recent record with Team Melli. Under his stewardship, the national team experienced disappointment at the last AFC Asian Cup, failing to meet the elevated expectations that traditionally accompany Iran's participation in the continent's premier competition.

Furthermore, the team's campaign in the FIFA World Cup 2026 proved equally challenging, as Iran was unable to secure qualification from the group stage and failed to register a single victory throughout the tournament. These results have cast a long shadow over Ghalenoei's tenure and have fueled skepticism regarding his capacity to deliver the continental success that has eluded Iranian football for five decades.

The Verdict of Public Opinion

The reaction on social media platforms has been overwhelmingly critical, with users directing sharp commentary toward both Ghalenoei and his squad. This digital discontent reflects a broader sentiment among the fan base, many of whom harbor deep reservations about the team's prospects of ending the nation's 50-year Asian Cup drought under the current technical leadership.

The disconnect between the federation's apparent inclination and the grassroots sentiment underscores the challenging environment in which Iranian football operates. The divergence between institutional decision-making and public opinion has become increasingly pronounced, creating tensions that may prove difficult to reconcile as the Asian Cup approaches.

The Road Ahead

As the FFIRI board continues its deliberations, the decision regarding Ghalenoei's future will carry implications that extend far beyond the technical staff appointment itself. The choice will signal the federation's strategic direction, its responsiveness to public sentiment, and its commitment to performance-based evaluation versus other considerations.

The coming days will likely prove decisive in determining whether the current trend toward continuity solidifies into official policy or whether a last-minute reversal introduces yet another twist in this unfolding narrative. Whatever the outcome, the decision will shape the trajectory of Iranian football as it prepares for one of its most significant challenges in recent years.

This article is based on developments within the Football Federation of Iran and reflects the evolving situation regarding the national team's technical leadership as of the date of publication.

Olympiacos VP Drops Transfer Bombshell: Taremi on the Chopping Block as Contract Dilemma Looms

Mehdi Taremi made a high-profile move to Greek Super League side Olympiacos last season, swapping the glitz of Serie A giants Inter Milan for the historic port of Athens. The transition was swiftly validated by a torrent of goals, as the Iranian striker finished the campaign with an impressive haul of 16 strikes and 6 assists across all competitions.

However, his international exploits failed to match that club form. During Iran’s three group-stage fixtures at the World Cup, Taremi's contributions were largely muted—his only notable moment being a solitary goal against Belgium, which was ultimately ruled out for offside. His feeble penalty kick, which was saved by the Egyptian goalkeeper, did not help enhance his reputation either.

Currently under contract with Olympiacos until the end of next season, the 34-year-old captain’s future has become a hotbed of speculation. With persistent rumors swirling about a potential summer exit, the club’s vice-president has now publicly addressed the situation, effectively confirming that a departure is a distinct possibility.

The crux of the matter lies in the final year of Taremi's deal. Olympiacos faces a stark financial dilemma: cash in on their star striker this summer for a meaningful transfer fee, or risk losing him for nothing on a free transfer when his contract expires next season—giving the player total control over his next destination.

Vice-president Kostas Karapapas, currently accompanying the squad during their pre-season training camp in the Netherlands, offered a candid briefing to reporters regarding the transfer landscape, squad balance, and recent criticisms surrounding the roster.

Addressing the forward line specifically, Karapapas contextualized Olympiacos's attacking depth relative to their domestic rivals. He acknowledged that the club currently boasts four elite-level strikers: Ayoub El Kaabi, Mehdi Taremi, Roman Yaremchuk, and Clayton. He stressed that while their competitors typically rely on just one or two central forwards, it is neither practical nor sustainable to retain all four players within the same squad.

"Our competitors in Greece have one, or at best one and a half strikers, but we have El Kaabi, Taremi, Yaremchuk, and Clayton—four out-and-out forwards," Karapapas stated. "It is highly unlikely that all four will remain here, because players of Taremi, Yaremchuk, and Clayton's caliber will simply not accept diminished playing time. I hope you understand the context. This is purely a footballing decision."

The vice-president concluded by reinforcing that his remarks were intended to highlight the exceptional quality and depth of the roster, rather than single out any individual for criticism. "What I want to convey is that we have a very complete team—a squad that is deeper than any of our competitors," he added.

Karapapas's comments come amid intense media speculation regarding Taremi's next move. This indirect confirmation from a senior executive has only fueled further debate about his immediate future.

Various rumors have linked the veteran striker with a lucrative return to the Persian Gulf, particularly given his successful prior stint with Al Gharafa—the very club that served as his springboard to European football. Nevertheless, sources suggest Taremi remains determined to exhaust every opportunity to stay in Europe and continue his career at the highest competitive level. A return to the Gulf or the Iran Premier League is widely considered his absolute last resort.

Financially, Taremi's market valuation has taken a sharp downward trajectory in recent years. From a peak of €20 million during the 2022–23 season, his current estimated worth has plummeted to around €2 million—a stark decline that underscores the urgency for Olympiacos to make a definitive move in this transfer window.

Milad Mohammadi joins Belarusian Club.

After two seasons with Persepolis, Milad Mohammadi has opted not to extend his contract, instead embarking on another European chapter by signing with FC Vitebsk in the Belarusian Premier League.

The Iranian defender was officially unveiled by the Belarusian club on Tuesday, July 20. In his first interview with Vitebsk's media, Mohammadi was asked about his long-term international ambitions and did not shy away from setting his sights high. "I will wait for the World Cup in four years, and my motivation will not disappear," he stated. When questioned about competing in European tournaments and adapting to the club's home venues, he replied with conviction: "That's what I want—I'm ready."

Mohammadi, who was part of Iran's 2026 World Cup squad and delivered an acceptable performance on that stage, now brings his experience to a club with a modest history. Founded in 1960, FC Vitebsk are a mid-to-lower table side in the Belarusian top flight; they finished 12th among 16 teams last season. While they have never claimed a league title, they did lift the Belarusian Cup once, back in 1998. The team plays its home fixtures at the Vitebsky Central Sport Complex in Vitebsk, a venue with a capacity of 8,144.

Mohammadi's move also carries historical significance, as he becomes the first known Iranian player to compete in the Belarusian league. The host city of Vitebsk, located in northeastern Belarus, is the country's fourth-largest urban center.

Renowned for his blistering pace on the left flank, Mohammadi began his professional journey at Rah Ahan before embarking on a nomadic European and international career. He went on to represent Akhmat Grozny (Russia), Gent (Belgium), AEK Athens (Greece), and Adana Demirspor (Turkey), before returning to Iran to join Persepolis in 2024.

Why so many Managerial Changes , but not in Iran !

As is customary in global football, failure at a FIFA World Cup almost always triggers accountability. Consequently, coaches resign, federations sack managers, and administrators step aside. Even so, although the 2026 edition is still ongoing, we already have 15 departures — a clear sign that many nations take their shortcomings seriously.

However, what stands out is that almost every manager on that list performed better than Team Melli, yet Iran once again appears immune to change. Despite this, and despite failing to qualify from one of the weakest groups in the tournament, there is no indication of introspection, responsibility, or even basic acknowledgment of failure.

In fact, although not officially announced, the head of FFIRI has already hinted that Amir Ghalenoei will continue leading Iran into the AFC Asian Cup 2027 and beyond. Ultimately, continuity is not the problem — blind continuity is.

The Illusion of Success

The hope for fundamental change in mentality, player selection, or tactical evolution remains remote. Moreover, what has improved, ironically, is the federation’s ability — along with the head coach — to manipulate public perception. As a result, a clear failure has been reframed as a “respectable performance,” a narrative that is repeated so often it begins to sound like truth.

Therefore, this is not football analysis; it is political messaging.

The Media’s Role in Manufacturing Consent

Furthermore, another striking element is the behavior of the domestic media. Almost all major outlets are state-controlled, and the football federation itself is under the same umbrella. Consequently, the result is predictable: full‑fledged support for the team, regardless of performance, wrapped in nationalistic rhetoric and political justification.

Instead, of honest evaluation, we get excuses. Instead, of accountability, we get slogans. Instead, of progress, we get stagnation.

Ultimately, the missed opportunity of this World Cup — a tournament where Iran genuinely had a chance to advance — is buried under layers of propaganda.

A Contrast: Saudi Arabia’s Example

Among the many departures worldwide, one stands out: Saudi Arabia’s football federation president, Yasser Al‑Misehal, resigned after his team failed to reach the knockout stage.

His statement was simple, direct, and refreshing:

“The failure of the national team to qualify for the next round of the World Cup is a result that falls short of all our ambitions, and I bear full responsibility for it. I offer my apologies to everyone who hoped to see our team in a better position.”

He continued:

“A sense of responsibility requires giving the opportunity to open a new chapter, and I have decided not to continue until the end of my current term.”

Clearly, this is not just a resignation — it is a culture of accountability. It also signals a country seeking progress, acknowledging shortcomings, and making room for improvement.

By contrast, such honesty is almost alien within FFIRI’s current culture and its political backers.

The Core Problem

Iran’s footballing stagnation is not due to lack of talent, resources, or passion. Rather, it is due to a system that:

  • refuses to admit mistakes,
  • punishes criticism,
  • rewards loyalty over competence,
  • and treats football as a political tool rather than a sporting project.

Until this changes, Iran will continue celebrating imaginary achievements while other nations — even those who performed better — take real steps toward improvement.

📌 Summary Count

Across all sources, at least 15 managers and coaches left their positions after the 2026 World Cup — roughly 25–27% of all head coaches, according to The Guardian and beIN SPORTS.

🟦 Post–World Cup 2026 Departures (Managers + Federation Chiefs)

Resigned / Sacked / Mutual Termination

Country / TeamNameRoleReason / NotesSource
Saudi ArabiaYasser Al‑MisehalPresident, Saudi Arabian Football FederationResigned after Saudi Arabia’s group‑stage exitbeIN SPORTS
TunisiaSabri LamouchiHead CoachSacked after 5–1 loss to SwedenCAF / beIN
TunisiaHervé RenardHead CoachResigned 18 days after appointmentAFP / Arab News
GhanaCarlos QueirozHead CoachResigned after Round of 32 exitGhana FA
Senegal Pape ThiawHead CoachSacked following  elimination in the round of 16 AP Sports
South KoreaHong Myung‑boHead CoachResigned after group‑stage eliminationNDTV / Guardian
CzechiaMiroslav KoubekHead CoachResigned after winless group stageCzech FA
ScotlandSteve ClarkeHead CoachResigned after failing to reach knockoutsBBC
NetherlandsRonald KoemanHead CoachResigned after Round of 32 loss to MoroccoDutch FA
GermanyJulian NagelsmannHead CoachLeft role after Round of 32 elimination to ParaguayDFB
PortugalRoberto MartínezHead CoachResigned after Round of 16 defeat to SpainPortuguese FA
CroatiaZlatko DalićHead CoachResigned after Round of 32 defeat to PortugalbeIN
MexicoJavier AguirreHead CoachDeparted as part of federation transition after eliminationFMF
UruguayMarcelo BielsaHead CoachLeft role after group‑stage eliminationCONMEBOL
EcuadorSebastián BeccaceceHead CoachDeparted after Round of 32 loss to MexicoEcuador FA

📌 Total Count

15 confirmed departures (14 head coaches + 1 federation president)

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Amir Ghalenoei

The Ghalenoei Paradox: Statistical Brilliance or Competitive Failure?

A statistical examination of Amir Ghalenoei’s two managerial stints with Team Melli reveals a paradox: impressive numerical consistency on paper that contrasts sharply with a tangible lack of competitive pedigree.

First Tenure (2006–2007)
Ghalenoei’s initial spell began on August 8, 2006, with a 1–0 friendly victory over the UAE at Azadi Stadium. It lasted just over a year, culminating in a quarter-final exit from the 2007 AFC Asian Cup, where Iran were eliminated on penalty kicks by South Korea following a goalless draw. Remarkably, across these 21 matches, his side suffered only a single defeat—a heavy 4–0 loss away to Mexico in San Luis Potosí. His final record stood at:

  • P: 21 | W: 13 | D: 7 | L: 1 | Win%: 61.9%

Second Tenure (2023–Present)
His return to the helm began on March 23, 2023, with a 1–1 draw against Russia at Azadi. This second stint has featured participation in major tournaments and yielded one piece of silverware—the inaugural CAFA Nations Cup in 2023. His current record to date is:

  • P: 47 | W: 31 | D: 11 | L: 5 | Win%: 66.0%

The statistical veneer of Ghalenoei's record—particularly the low number of losses—belies a more troubling reality. A deeper critical assessment reveals persistent tactical shortcomings, a failure to capitalize on a favorable draw at the 2026 World Cup, and an inability to translate domestic success into continental or global glory.

🥇 The "CAFA" Asterisk

The solitary piece of silverware from his second tenure, the 2023 CAFA Nations Cup, offers limited vindication. The tournament's participants—Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Oman—are not Asia's traditional powerhouses. While a victory is a victory, this triumph does little to address the more significant failures on the bigger stages that truly define a national team's legacy.

🏆 Continued Continental Failure

The primary indictment of Ghalenoei's tenure is the inability to end Iran's decades-long wait for an AFC Asian Cup title. At the 2023 Asian Cup, despite boasting a squad described as a potential "golden generation", Iran fell in the semi-finals to Qatar. The defeat was widely attributed to tactical errors in his lineup and substitutions, which Ghalenoei himself partially dismissed as misfortune. This failure to convert a talented squad into a championship, echoing the disappointment of his first stint in 2007, remains a significant blemish on his record.

🌍 A Wasted Opportunity at the 2026 World Cup

The 2026 World Cup represents perhaps the most glaring example of style over substance. Ghalenoei's side finished the group stage unbeaten, with draws against New Zealand, Belgium, and Egypt. However, they were still eliminated, finishing ninth among third-placed teams and missing the knockout rounds by a single spot.

This exit was particularly damning given the context:

  • A Favorable Draw: Iran was placed in a group with Belgium, Egypt, and New Zealand, which many saw as the team's most hopeful opportunity to advance in World Cup history.
  • Tactical Bankruptcy: The team was criticized for its "route one" or "Ali Asghari" football, a long-ball strategy that failed to create coherent attacking patterns. The coach was described as lacking the tactical flexibility required against elite opposition.
  • Questionable Squad Management: Perhaps most controversially, Ghalenoei left star striker Sardar Azmoun at home, a decision labeled a "tactical crime". He also relied on a core of players over 30, neglecting younger talent.
  • Poor In-Game Decisions: His substitutions and in-game reading were heavily criticized, with baffling decisions made against Belgium and a failure to adjust tactics when key players like Mehdi Taremi were isolated.

📉 Out of His Depth at the Highest Level

The recurring critique is that Ghalenoei, despite being a legend in the domestic league, is out of his depth at the international level. At the World Cup, he appeared "reactive, hesitant, and ultimately outmatched" compared to other coaches. His pragmatic, defensive approach may succeed against continental rivals, but it lacks the tactical nous required to compete with the world's elite.

📊 A Statistical Mirage

The impressive win percentage and low loss count are, therefore, a statistical mirage.

  • Inflated by Weak Opposition: Many of these victories have come against weaker Asian and Central Asian sides.
  • Context of the World Cup: The unbeaten record at the 2026 World Cup is a hollow achievement, as the team failed to secure the single win needed to progress from a group they were expected to navigate.
  • Elite-Level Failures: When faced with the highest level of competition or the pressure of a knockout tournament, the team has consistently fallen short.

In essence, Ghalenoei's record is one of a manager who has mastered the art of not losing but has repeatedly failed to master the art of winning when it truly matters.

TOURNAMENTS

#CompetetionYearLevelResult
1AFC Asian Cup 2007ContinentalQuarter-Finals
2CAFA Nations Cup2023RegionalChampion
3AFC Asian Cup 2023ContinentalSemi-Final
4CAFA Nations Cup2025RegionalFinal
5FIFA World Cup2026WorldGroup Stage

RESULTS OF THE LAST 10 MATCHES

#DateOpponentStage / TypeScoreResultVenue / Stadium
4721 Jun 2026BelgiumFIFA World Cup0 - 0DSofi Stadium , Los Angeles
4615 Jun 2026New ZealandFIFA World Cup2 - 2DSofi Stadium , Los Angeles
4504 Jun 2026MaliFriendly2 - 0WMardan Stadiuml
4429 May 2026GambiaFriendly3 - 1WMardan Stadium , Antalya
4331 Mar 2026Costa RicaFriendly5 - 0WMardan Stadium , Antalya
4227 Mar 2026NigeriaFriendly1 - 2LMardan Stadium , Antalya
4118 Nov 2025UzbekistanFriendly0 - 0DHazza Bin Zayed Stadium, Al Ain
4013 Nov 2025Cape VerdeFriendly0 - 0DHazza Bin Zayed Stadium, Al-Ain
3914 Oct 2025TanzaniaFriendly2 - 0WRashid Stadium, Dubai
3810 Oct 2025RussiaFriendly1 - 2LVolgograd Arena , Volgograd

Players used- 10 TOP

Ghalnnoei has selected 122 players in his two tenures with Team Melli. Some players he selected were not able to play any matches. The top players who played are as follows:

#Player NameMatches Played
1Mehdi TAREMI44 Caps
2Saman GHODDOS36 Caps
3Saeid EZATOLAHI35 Caps
4Shojaa KHALILZADEH35 Caps
5Mohammad MOHEBI35 Caps
6Alireza BEIRANVAND34 Caps
7AliReza JAHANBAKHSH33 Caps
8Hossein KANANI-ZADEGAN30 Caps
9Milad MOHAMMADI30 Caps
10Ramin REZAEIAN28 Caps

Framing Failure as Glory: The Dangerous Delusion Behind Iran's World Cup Exit

After Iran’s early exit from the group stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, social media has been flooded with criticism aimed at both the team and its head coach. Unsurprisingly, however, the official media and the team’s staunch defenders have framed the failure as a remarkable achievement.

The Minister of Sport, who had previously advocated for Iran’s withdrawal from the World Cup in response to American hostility, has now suddenly praised the team’s performance and fighting spirit. Meanwhile, IRIB commentators have consistently highlighted the positives—pointing out that Iran remained undefeated in all three matches—as if that alone were a triumph, conveniently ignoring the fact that a country with such a rich footballing pedigree has not advanced past the group stage since 1978.

Politics and the antagonistic treatment of Team Melli by the U.S. aside, the squad’s overall performance, coaching standards, leadership, and mentality left much to be desired. The team lacked a winning mindset, often faltered in crucial moments, and was, on the whole, mediocre and inconsistent. Technically and emotionally, Team Melli ranked low compared to its rivals.

Among the many critics is former national team coach Jalal Cheraghpour. Reflecting on Iran’s opening match, he said: “Caution was understandable for our first game, but we were overly cautious against a New Zealand side that grew in confidence precisely because of our passive approach. While it made sense to be wary of an unknown opponent, we took it too far. Every goal we conceded only deepened our fear. After that match, with the strategy apparently set on securing two draws in the remaining games, I knew we wouldn’t progress.”

He continued: “We should have played with more courage and fighting spirit in the next two matches. Moreover, the squad’s high average age meant we lacked the energy needed at this level of competition. On the other hand, if either Egypt or Belgium had won their match, our path would have been easier—but the draw complicated things. Qualification became a matter of ‘ifs’ and ‘buts.’ On the final matchday, none of the three possible scenarios that could have sent us through materialized, and we left the tournament empty-handed.”

Addressing the team’s defensive frailty—one of Team Melli’s Achilles’ heels throughout the tournament—Cheraghpour observed: “A team needs creative, talented players in attack. That kind of flair is innate; no one teaches Mehdi Taremi or Mehdi Ghaedi how to dribble. But defending is a scientific discipline that demands deeper knowledge and familiarity with modern tactics. Look at our games—when we don’t have the ball, we should press, but we don’t. When the opposition dominates, our job is to cover the spaces they can exploit. We failed to do that. We often had three or more defenders converging on the ball carrier in dangerous areas, yet we left gaps elsewhere because players bunched together. That was our undoing. Crowding an area without covering the spaces is like sending a soldier into battle without ammunition—it achieves nothing.”

He cited New Zealand’s second goal as an example: “In that scene, Chris Woods, the veteran Kiwi player, controls the ball, turns, and delivers a precise short pass completely unpressured—while our players simply watched. These defensive weaknesses, evident in all three games, stem from a lack of simulation and practice in training. Defenders must be able to read the game and anticipate an opponent’s next move. These skills are not being taught to defenders in our football, whether at club or national level. They keep making basic mistakes and tactical errors, with no apparent correction or guidance from the coaching staff.”

When asked what path Iranian football should take to move forward, Cheraghpour replied: “These shortcomings need to be analyzed and studied by the Football Federation’s training committee, and then compiled into training manuals and courses.”

He added: “Iranian football needs a major shake-up. Thirteen or fourteen players from this squad should be moved on. We have to move beyond traditional, direct tactics and embrace modern football—only then will we see real progress.”

Iran needed help to save their 'disaster' World Cup. Instead, they got more heartbreak

The Guardian
Story by Alexander Abnos
 

Mehdi Taremi lay on the ground at Seattle Stadium staring at the heavens, devastated. The Iran team he captains had just finished a 1-1 draw with Egypt in their final World Cup group game – one where a win would have put them through to the knockout round for the first time in seven tournament appearances. Taremi had missed a penalty in Friday’s contest, and a seeming late winner had sent the team into bedlam before being correctly ruled out for offside.

Taremi lay on the ground for several minutes. He did so as Alireza Jahanbakhsh, his longtime teammate on a veteran-laden Iran squad, offered comfort. Taremi remained after other teammates who had collapsed in exhaustion had arisen again, trudging to the locker room.

Minutes later, though, Taremi told the media there was “good energy” in that locker room. That they were proud of their performance. That they would look forward to the next day’s games and see what fate they’d bring.

Saturday brought only more heartbreak. Iran needed a Ghana win over Croatia, and got the opposite. They needed Uzbekistan to win or draw against the Democratic Republic of Congo, only to see the African side come back from 1-0 down to win. Most agonizingly, they got a jolt of hope when Riyad Mahrez scored in stoppage time to put Algeria up 3-2 over Austria in a game Iran simply needed either side to win. And then their World Cup ended about 120 seconds later, when Austria equalized, and the final whistle blew.

Iran had originally planned to have a senior federation official speak at the team’s training session on Saturday night. That appearance was canceled after DR Congo’s comeback. Then the training session itself was called off entirely. Just like that, 2026 Team Melli had played their last moments as a team.

It’s a moment of anguish that will rise to the very top of a football history full of them. In 2014, Iran’s hopes were dashed with a moment of magic from Lionel Messi. They were bounced from Russia 2018 after a devastating draw with Portugal. A frenetic nine-minute stoppage-time blitz against the United States in 2022 ended with tears. In this case, the matter was out of Iran’s hands. They needed help, and didn’t get it.

On a note board in the Seattle locker room, Iran left a message reading, in part, that “football is not just a competition for results. It is a test of character.”

What a test it was for Iran. The team qualified for the World Cup, and then their country was named in the Trump administration’s extensive travel ban. They began preparations as the US and Israel launched a bombing campaign on the country, killing their head of state and 168 people at a school in Minab, among others. They stood by as various officials traded barbs concerning their participation. They trained in Turkey because training in Iran would present visa issues. They trained in Mexico under armed guard because training in Arizona as planned would present visa issues. The US government denied 11 team staff visas to attend their World Cup games, including their entire media relations staff. US officials mused that they might be trying to sneak in terrorists.

They were delayed by security checks at airports, turning what should have been quick trips into several-hour ordeals. Outside US stadiums, they were greeted with protests, mostly driven by other Iranians. Even in the hours before they played the most crucial match in their history on Friday, news broke that the US had launched a fresh round of bombings on their homeland, with a supposed ceasefire in action.

How should a team manage this unprecedented state of affairs? According to Taremi, the answer was simple: “Run,” he demanded of his team before a 0-0 draw with Belgium. Run, and play without fear.

One can quibble with the technical quality of Iran’s players in their three-draw performance at this World Cup, but they certainly ran. Team Melli flew headlong into challenges, aggressively closed down passing lanes, threw themselves at anything that even looked like it might eventually make it towards their goal. Iran played tough, but fair. They won fans from Mexico to Seattle, and between those major efforts and their self-applied label as the “most oppressed” team in the tournament, it wasn’t hard to see why.

But were they fearless, really? For crucial periods, including most of the second half against Egypt, it seemed Iran barely wanted to attack at all. Iran were up a man for 24 minutes against Belgium and rarely threatened. They allowed a New Zealand team ranked more than 60 spots below them to dictate the terms of that opener. When waves of attacks came in all of these, it was often at the very end, as if they were driven by fear, not playing free of it.

Ultimately, Iran allowed their World Cup hopes to be determined by the closest of calls. A winning goal against Egypt by Shojae Khalilzadeh, ruled out for offside. Another winner by Taremi against Belgium, ruled out for offside. Taremi’s missed penalty and Saeid Ezatolahi’s header off the crossbar, both against Egypt.

“For a few centimeters, five centimeters, 10 centimeters, 30 centimeters, not even a meter, these goals were ruled out,” head coach Amir Ghalenoei lamented after Friday’s result. “I’m just unhappy and upset at the bad luck.”

One would think a team with this much experience would know better. Iran were the second-oldest team at this World Cup, with the most players aged 30-plus of any side. This was a generation of players who hoped to advance to the knockout round for the first time in Iran’s history. Instead, their legacy will be even more heartbreak.

“I do not understand what is wrong with our football,” Ramin Rezaeian said on Friday, after the draw with Egypt took the team’s fate out of their hands. “At the end, [I am] just apologizing to my people in Iran, because they deserve more happiness.”

Perhaps they simply did not have the energy to attack. After all, their World Cup had been a “disaster”, striker Taremi said on Friday, once again remarking to journalists about the injustice of being made to leave a match on match night, usually a few hours after the final whistle.

“We don’t have [a chance to do] recovery, we don’t have any logistics people here to help us,” Taremi said. “We always complain about these things, but no one helps. No one.”

On Saturday, the help also failed to come on the field.

Ghalenoei's Reign of Mediocrity – How Iran's World Cup Dream Was Wasted by Incompetence

The Inquest Begins: Ghalenoei's Failures Leave Iran's World Cup Dream in Tatters

A Golden Opportunity, Squandered

This was supposed to be Iran's moment. With three winnable matches, a favorable group draw, and a squad boasting genuine quality, Team Melli had perhaps the most hopeful—and certainly the easiest—opportunity to qualify out of the group stage in the entire history of their World Cup participation. Instead, they leave with unfinished business, unanswered questions, and the bitter taste of what might have been.

The excuses are already being prepared. The Iranian Football Federation (FFIRI) has begun circulating the usual litany of justifications: Iran was the most oppressed team in the tournament; the Americans made life deliberately difficult; the logistical hurdles were insurmountable. These narratives, recycled after every failure, have become a convenient smokescreen—hiding the bitter truth that an incompetent and self-serving establishment has run Iranian football into the ground for decades, systematically preventing natural progress.

Ghalenoei's Culpability: A Catalogue of Errors

When it comes to World Cup performance, the head coach and his assistants must bear the brunt of responsibility. Amir Ghalenoei's failures were numerous, repeated, and inexcusable—and they began long before the first whistle blew in Los Angeles.

The Azmoun Exclusion: A Tactical Crime

Months ago, when Ghalenoei announced his preliminary training camp squad, the exclusion of Sardar Azmoun bordered on a tactical crime. Iran's most ready, most competent striker—a player with proven pedigree at the highest level—was left at home without any credible explanation. Ghalenoei has yet to offer a satisfactory reason for this omission, and the void left by Azmoun's absence was glaring throughout the campaign.

Beyond the Azmoun debacle, Ghalenoei's player selection was suspect at best. He leaned heavily on a core of players over 30, ignoring several promising young talents who could have injected energy and freshness into the squad. This was not a team built for the future—it was a team built for comfort, familiarity, and short-term expediency.

Tactical Bankruptcy: Route One Football

Ghalenoei's tactical failures were equally damning. His insistence on "route one" football—referred to derisively in Iran as "Ali Asghari" football—was exposed time and again. Against New Zealand, the team that would later be handsomely beaten by both Belgium and Egypt, Iran struggled to impose any coherent attacking pattern. The long-ball strategy may have suited a squad with pace and aerial dominance, but Iran possessed neither in sufficient measure.

His reading of the game was poor; his substitutions, extremely so. Against Belgium, the baffling decision to introduce Alireza Jahanbakhsh—who offered nothing—while leaving more dynamic options on the bench was emblematic of a coach who simply does not trust his squad. Against Egypt, the failure to adjust tactics when it became clear that Taremi was isolated and ineffective was inexcusable.

Out of His Depth

The uncomfortable truth is that Ghalenoei is out of his depth at the international level. He lacks the charisma, character, and technical know-how to lead Iran at the highest level of football. Compared with other opponent coaches,ff, Ghalenoei appeared reactive, hesitant, and ultimately outmatched. This is not a coach who inspires confidence—it is a coach who inspires anxiety.

Taremi: A Captain's Failure

While leaving your best forward out of the squad is inexplicable, the other best forward—Mehdi Taremi—proved to be one of the tournament's major disappointments. With 60 goals to his name as Iran's active top scorer, Taremi carried the weight of the nation's expectations. He failed to deliver. The missed penalty against Egypt—a spot-kick that would have changed the complexion of the match and perhaps the entire campaign—was the defining moment of his tournament. A captain must lead by example; Taremi's body language, decision-making, and finishing all fell short when it mattered most.

A Cycle of Failure

The fear among Iranian football fans is that Ghalenoei is going nowhere soon. Despite repeated failures and heartbreaks, he is expected to remain at the helm for the AFC Asian Cup 2027. The reason is simple: Ghalenoei pulls the right strings and wields considerable influence alongside his ally, FFIRI President Mehdi Taj. Taj himself is untouchable, protected by powerful connections that insulate him from accountability. This toxic partnership ensures that mediocrity is rewarded, and genuine progress is stifled.

The Illusion of Renewal

While everyone expects a new generation of players to emerge after this failure, fans should not place their hopes too high with Ghalenoei still in charge. He has shown no inclination to rebuild, no appetite for youth development, and no capacity for tactical evolution. The squad will age, the opportunities will diminish, and the cycle of failure will continue—unless the federation finally acts or forces more powerful than the federation.

A Final Word on the Excuses

Let us be clear: the Americans and FIFA undoubtedly made life difficult for Team Melli. The logistical hurdles, the visa games, and the political posturing were all real and unacceptable. But let us also remember that Iraq won the AFC Asian Cup in 2007, just years after their country was devastated by war. They overcame unimaginable adversity, not by complaining about it, but by rising above it. Iran's excuses ring hollow when compared to such resilience.

The Verdict

Iran's World Cup campaign will be remembered not for the moments of brilliance—Beiranvand's heroics, Rezaeian's stunning equalizer—but for the opportunities squandered. A favorable group, a talented squad, and a golden chance to make history—all wasted by a coach who was simply not up to the task.

The inquest has begun. The question is whether anyone in Iranian football has the courage to act on its findings.

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VAR Heartbreak Denies Iran Historic Victory as Team Melli Left in Agonizing Limbo

Iran 1–1 Egypt: A Night of Drama, Controversy, and Unfinished Business

Team Melli played out a 1–1 draw against Egypt in their final Group G match, completing the group stage unbeaten—yet still uncertain of their qualification fate for the Round of 32. In a night filled with controversy, both on and off the pitch, Iran came agonizingly close to sealing their place in the knockout rounds, only to be denied by a brutal VAR decision in stoppage time.

A Distraction-Filled Spectacle

From the outset, this match was overshadowed by forces far beyond football. The American government and the organizing committee made every possible effort to provoke both the Iranian and Egyptian teams, using the tournament platform to promote the Pride movement against the explicit wishes of both nations. The bulk of the American mainstream media coverage focused not on the football being played, but on political protests and LGBTQ+ activism—a transparent attempt to distract from the sport and weaponize the World Cup for ideological purposes.

To their immense credit, Team Melli withstood this psychological warfare with remarkable composure. From the booing of the Iranian national anthem to the relentless political posturing in the stands, the players remained focused on the task at hand and delivered a performance to remember.

A Soft Goal, A Missed Penalty, and A Swift Response

Egypt struck early, scoring in the 5th minute with what was arguably the softest goal Iran has conceded in years. A defensive lapse compounded by uncharacteristic hesitation from Alireza Beiranvand allowed the Pharaohs to take an early lead. Yet, rather than collapsing—as Iranian teams have done in the past—this squad showed resilience.

Just minutes later, Mehdi Taremi won a penalty after being fouled inside the box. The captain grabbed the ball with intent, but his body language betrayed a lack of conviction. His feeble spot-kick was parried by the Egyptian goalkeeper—a miss that would prove costly in the final reckoning.

The savior, once again, was Ramin Rezaeian. In the 13th minute, from the most acute of angles, the indefatigable right-back fired home a stunning equalizer. It was a goal of sheer quality and determination, keeping Iran's hopes very much alive.

Route One Football – A Flawed Strategy

As in all previous matches, Ghalenoei opted for a direct, route-one approach. The advantage of this system lies in Iran's two clever and competent wingers—Milad Mohammadi and Ramin Rezaeian—who thrived when balls were played out wide. However, when the defense launched long balls directly toward the lone striker, Mehdi Taremi, the strategy proved wasteful. Taremi, for all his industry, lacks the pace and dribbling ability to consistently turn such deliveries into scoring opportunities. He disrupted Egypt's defense with his movement and physicality, but he lacked the quality to make those balls count.

Second-Half Chaos

The second half was a frantic, end-to-end affair. Egypt's talisman Mohamed Salah was withdrawn due to a knock—a significant blow to the Pharaohs' attacking threat—but his replacement, Omar Marmoush, proved a handful in his own right, creating several headaches for Iran's backline.

The VAR Nightmare – A Goal That Never Was

The match reached its dramatic crescendo in stoppage time. In a frenetic finale, Iran seemingly scored a game-winning goal when Shoja Khalilzadeh pounced on a loose ball and fired home from close range. Pandemonium erupted among the Iranian players and fans—they had done it. They had clinched a spot in the knockout round.

Then came the crushing blow.

VAR intervened. A lengthy review concluded that Khalilzadeh was marginally offside. The goal was disallowed. The celebration turned to devastation. Iran had been denied a historic victory by the finest of margins—a brutal, heart-wrenching ending that left players slumped on the pitch and fans in disbelief.

Qualification – A Nervous Wait

The other match in the group ended 5-1 in favor of Belgium. With three points and a goal difference of zero, Iran's fate is no longer in their own hands. They must now wait for the conclusion of matches in other groups, particularly those involving Croatia, Algeria, and DR Congo, whose results will determine whether Iran's unbeaten campaign is rewarded with a place in the Round of 32.

On paper, Iran's position is strong—but in the cruel arithmetic of World Cup qualification, nothing is guaranteed until the final whistle blows in every group.

Final Verdict

Iran's performance throughout the group stage has been a testament to their resilience, tactical discipline, and growing belief. They have gone unbeaten against New Zealand, Belgium, and Egypt—a feat that would have seemed improbable just weeks ago. Yet, the shadow of VAR and the lingering regret of a missed penalty will haunt them until their fate is confirmed.

If Iran does qualify, they will do so with the knowledge that they deserve it. If they fall short, they will be left to wonder what might have been—had that penalty been converted, had that goal stood, had the football been allowed to speak for itself.