Team Melli selectors announced the list of 26 players for the Al Ain International Cup tournament
Al Ain International Cup Unites Four World Cup-Bound Teams in November Showcase
Al Ain, UAE – Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium will host the prestigious Al Ain International Cup from November 13-18, bringing together four national teams that have secured their places in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The tournament, organized by Windsunited, will feature Egypt, Iran, Uzbekistan, and Cape Verde competing during the official FIFA international window.
Tournament Structure & Schedule
The four-team competition will see full-strength squads as these nations prepare for major international competitions, including the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco this December and the 2026 World Cup across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Match Schedule (All matches at 8:00 PM UAE time):
- November 13: Iran vs. Cape Verde
- November 14: Egypt vs. Uzbekistan
- November 17: Third-Place Match
- November 18: Tournament Final
World-Class Venue & Fan Experience
Rashed Abdullah, CEO of Al Ain Investment Club, emphasized the significance of hosting such a prestigious event: “We are delighted to announce this tournament as part of Al Ain’s vibrant events calendar under the patronage and guidance of Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Ain Region.”
“Al Ain has become a distinguished destination for elite teams and athletes worldwide, thanks to its world-class infrastructure and facilities,” Abdullah added. “Hazza bin Zayed Stadium is among the best stadiums globally, and we are pleased to welcome all participating teams and ensure that fans, residents, and visitors alike enjoy unforgettable moments during the matches.”
Tournament Organization & Expectations
Andrea Ferran, CEO of organizing company Windsunited, expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming event: “We look forward to making this tournament a valuable addition to the series of successful international events hosted at Hazza bin Zayed Stadium. Fans can expect a true sporting festival, with top players competing and side events for all ages.”
“We ensured participation from four of the best teams from Africa and Asia — all qualified for the 2026 World Cup — which promises high-level matches featuring world-class players,” Ferran noted, adding that delegations will begin arriving on November 10 for a full week of training and official matches.
Star-Studded Rosters
The tournament promises exceptional talent, with each team bringing their standout players:
Egypt: Features global superstar Mohamed Salah (Liverpool), Omar Marmoush (Manchester City), Rami Rabia (Al Ain), plus several players from Al Ahly, Zamalek, and Pyramids clubs.
Iran: Led by prolific striker Mehdi Taremi of Olympiacos.
Uzbekistan: Boasts Abdukodir Khusanov from Manchester City.
Cape Verde: Welcomes the return of Ryan Mendes to Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium.
Ticket Information
Tickets are available through the Platinumlist website, with organizers promising family-friendly activities to create an exceptional experience combining football excitement with Al Ain City’s outstanding amenities.
The tournament represents a unique opportunity for football enthusiasts to witness World Cup-bound teams in competitive action while celebrating the multicultural community of the UAE through the universal language of football.
The names of the 26 players invited to Team Melli camp are as follows:
GOALKEEPERS: Alireza Beiranvand, Payam Niazand, Seyed Hossein Hosseini, Mohammad Reza Akhbari.
DEFENDERS: Ali Nemati, Milad Mohammadi, Amin Hezbavi, Shojaa Khalilzadeh, Mohammad Hossein Kanaani, Seyed Majid Hosseini, Saleh Hardani, Aria Yousefi, Daniyal Esmaili,
MIDFIELD: Mehdi Hashemnejad, Alireza Koushki, Saeed Ezzatollahi, Omid Noorafkan, Saman Ghoddos, Mohammad Ghorbani, Mohammad Mohebi, Mohammad Tikdari, Hadi Habibinejad,
FORWARDS: Amir Hossein Hosseinzadeh, Mohammad Omri, Mehdi Taremi, Ali Alipour.
Absent from the list is the team Captain, Alireza Jahanbakhsh, who has recently joined Belgian Club FC Dender as he was allowed this FIFA Day period to join the club for better preparation and much-needed practice and training with the new team. Also Absent are Sardar Azmoun, Mehdi Ghaedi , Ali Gholizadeh and Mehdi Mohebi.