Tag: Nigeria

Ghalenoei: Iran can do something epic

6 May 2026
fifa.com

Team Melli head coach Amir Ghalenoei tells FIFA of his belief that IR Iran can advance to the knockout stage of a World Cup for the first time this summer.

  • IR Iran are set to make their seventh FIFA World Cup appearance
  • Aiming to advance to the knockout stage for the first time
  • Vastly experienced head coach Amir Ghalenoei speaks to FIFA

Thrice continental champions and semi-finalists at the previous two editions of the Asian Cup, IR Iran are a long-established juggernaut on their home patch. Translating that continental success to global impact has though proven a tougher than expected ask.

Regular participants they may be, with the nation having qualified for five of the past six editions of the FIFA World Cup™, but Iran are still surprisingly searching for a maiden appearance in the knockout stage.

Across half a dozen tournament outings, Team Melli has made an early exit on each occasion, with only three wins from their 18 matches to date.

The belief internally is that the current side, blessed with a fine generation of experienced talent, is the one poised to finally end that run of outs, as head coach Amir Ghalenoei explains to FIFA.

IR Iran players line up prior to a FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier against United Arab Emirates

“We've had many problems recently, but the players tried their best and made sacrifices. They worked so hard [through qualification] and sacrificed a lot, so it is my job to thank them.

“They can do something epic in the World Cup. They can do it, they have the technical potential to make this a World Cup to remember.”

Situated in a group containing a trio of continental heavyweights in the form of Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand, the going certainly won’t be easy. Ghalenoei can though take comfort from a qualification campaign that his side made fairly light work of, as well as a string of solid results thereafter.

Outside of the three co-hosts, Iran were the third nation to secure qualification, doing so on 20 March last year, five days after their AFC brethren Japan became the first nation to punch their ticket to North America.

Their only defeat in those 16 AFC preliminaries came at the hands of Qatar, after qualification was already secure. Since then, they’ve reached the final of the CAFA Nations Cup and drawn with fellow World Cup-bound nations Cabo Verde and Uzbekistan at an invitational tournament in the United Arab Emirates last year.

Another invitational event, held in Türkiye last month, saw a narrow loss at the hands of Nigeria, followed by a thumping 5-0 win against Costa Rica.

Set against the backdrop of an ongoing conflict that has shuttered the domestic league, forced the national team to play abroad and created numerous logistical issues, the veteran coach is proud of his team’s resolve.

IR Iran players celebrate qualification for the FIFA World Cup 2026

“I am really proud of this team for many reasons, because we've faced a difficult situation with all the problems and concerns, one of which was being unable to host games, but we were one of the first teams to qualify for the World Cup.

“Iran has a special talent whereby in tough times we find or create solutions. We managed to get to this level in spite of a difficult situation. Currently, there are two months to go until the World Cup, but we are in very difficult moment.

“My view though is that through football we can bring joy to families and Iranian society, both inside and outside the country. Football is a concept or project that can bring states and nations closer together. That can be national or global, like Argentina or Brazil having fans everywhere.

“Football in Iran is also like that and I hope that through football we can bring about national unity, despite the current problems in our country. We love our people and want to bring them happiness. I hope we can do that through football.

“My goal is for there to be no war anywhere in the world so people can enjoy football and enjoy their lives. This is my message through football to the world and my people.”

Born in Tehran, Ghalenoei has been at the coalface of Iranian football for close to half a century. As a player, he began his youth career at Rah Ahan, just a year after Iran’s debut World Cup outing, at Argentina 1978.

The bulk of his playing days were spent at Tehran giants Esteghlal, where the former midfielder earned more than a dozen national team caps, before transitioning into coaching in 1999, a year after Iran ended a 20-year wait to make a second World Cup appearance.

IR Iran coach Amir Ghalenoei gestures during a FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier with United Arab Emirates

Now 62, there is little that Ghalenoei hasn’t experienced in a career that has risen and fallen with the concurrent highs and lows of Iranian football.

Set against that vast well of experience, it is notable that, in spite of the obstacles the team faces, Ghalenoei is adamant that Iran has the capability to write a new chapter in their footballing history this northern summer.

“We want to create some great memories at this World Cup. We're ready with the experience that the team has from previous World Cups to make it through to the knock-out round for the first time. We won't be satisfied with just the group stage but I want us to play good football, not just try to get results.

“I also want to thank our wonderful fans, both inside and outside the country, who have stuck by the national team. They are the reason we managed to qualify. I probably had the least important role of anyone.”

Team Melli Falls to Nigeria in Antalya Friendly: Progress Evident, but Flaws Persist

In their first international friendly of 2026, Team Melli suffered a narrow 2-1 defeat to Nigeria at the Mardan Stadium in Antalya. Goals from Moses Simon (7’) and Akor Adams (51’) secured the win for the Super Eagles, while Mehdi Taremi scored the lone consolation for Iran in the 67th minute.

The match served as a crucial test for Iran as they resumed preparations for the upcoming World Cup, following a lengthy break from international action. While the final score favored the Africans, the performance offered a mixed bag for head coach Amir Ghalenoei. Despite playing the more cohesive brand of football for large stretches, familiar shortcomings ultimately undermined the result.

Defensive Lapses Prove Costly

The two goals conceded highlighted ongoing concerns at the back, stemming from individual errors rather than systemic breakdowns. Veteran defender Hossein Kanani and Ali Nemati were culpable on the day, with each making costly mistakes that Nigeria ruthlessly exploited.

Tactical Shift Shows Promise

In a bid to inject more attacking impetus, Ghalenoei shifted to a three-man defensive line, deploying a 3-5-2 formation. The tactical adjustment allowed wing-backs Milad Mohammadi and Arya Yousefi to operate as advanced wide midfielders, a change that yielded positive results. Mohammadi, in particular, was a livewire on the left flank; one surging dribble saw him carve through the Nigerian defense to the byline, only for his cut-back to miss , Mohebbi , its intended target by inches inside the six-yard box.

Midfield Control but Attacking Frustration

The midfield trio functioned effectively, with Saman Ghoddos pulling the strings as the deep-lying playmaker. His intelligent distribution provided the platform for the advanced movements of Ghorbani and Ali Gholizadeh.

However, the offensive duo of Mohammad Mohebbi and Mehdi Taremi struggled to find consistent chemistry. Taremi, despite converting Iran’s only goal, delivered a performance that raised concerns. The veteran striker appeared sluggish and was frequently seen appealing for fouls rather than maintaining possession. Whether the issue is a lack of match fitness or a tendency to over-dramatize contact, Taremi’s physical edge, a hallmark of his game, was notably absent.

The second half represented Iran’s best period of the match. They controlled the tempo and created the better chances, yet once again fell victim to a recurring problem: poor finishing. What could have been a winning half instead became a frustrating reminder of the team’s inability to capitalize on momentum.

Lingering Concerns Ahead of the World Cup

Despite the encouraging overall display against a strong African side, the friendly illuminated several critical areas requiring immediate attention. Chief among them is the lack of clinical execution in the final third. Whether it is the weight of the final pass, the composure in front of goal, or the accuracy of the shot, this essential skill set remains alarmingly deficient.

Furthermore, questions linger regarding squad composition. The team’s discipline, on-field body language, and the advanced age of the core squad cast doubt on their ability to withstand the physical demands and high-pressure environment of the World Cup. If Iran is to compete on the global stage, addressing these vulnerabilities will be as crucial as refining the tactical framework that showed flashes of promise against Nigeria.

Ndidi joins Super Eagles, completes 22-Man squad for Iran

March 25, 2026 9:24 pm

The camp of Nigeria’s Super Eagles is now complete following the arrival of captain Wilfred Ndidi at the Bellis Deluxe Hotel in Antalya on Wednesday, ahead of upcoming international friendlies in Turkey.

Head Coach Eric Chelle had earlier named captain Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, and Ademola Lookman in a 23-man squad for the matches.

The fixtures were moved from Amman to Antalya due to the outbreak of conflict in the Middle East.

The Super Eagles will face Iran on March 27 at 4 p.m., before taking on Jordan on March 31 at 8 p.m. in Antalya.

Super Eagles Media Officer, Promise Efoghe, said Ndidi’s arrival brings leadership and balance to the squad ahead of Friday’s friendly.

super-eagles-team

Agency Report

“We are pleased to have our captain join the team today. His presence completes the list of invited players and strengthens the group,” Efoghe said.

He, however, confirmed the last-minute withdrawal of Calvin Bassey from the list of invited players due to a back injury sustained while on club duties.

“It is unfortunate that Bassey had to pull out late because of a back injury. We wish him a quick recovery and hope to have him back to the team soon,” he said.

Efoghe added that 22 players are currently in camp and fully involved in preparations for the upcoming encounter.

The team held its first training session at 4 p.m. local time (2 p.m. Nigerian time), with all available players participating actively.

Efoghe said the session focused on fitness drills, ball circulation, pressing exercises, and small-sided games to assess players’ readiness.

“The first training session was productive. The coaches engaged the players in light conditioning, tactical positioning, and ball work to get them in shape,” he said.

He said that the players responded well, showing intensity and commitment as they were put through their paces ahead of the clash with the Iranian national football team.

“The energy and response from the players were very encouraging. You can see the determination as they prepare for the match on Friday,” he added.

Efoghe said the technical crew would step up preparations in subsequent sessions to fine-tune strategies and cohesion.

“Thursday’s training will be more intense and tactical as the coaches begin to focus on specific match situations and game plans,” he said.

List of all 22 players in order of their arrival at camp

1. Fisayo Bashiru

2. Iwobi Alex

3. Emmanuel Oluwasegun

4. ⁠Yira Sor

5. ⁠Onuachu Paul

6. ⁠Philip Otele

7. ⁠Semi Ajayi

8. ⁠Moses Simon

9. ⁠Uzoho Francis

10. ⁠Bruno Onyemaechi

11. ⁠Bright Osayi

12. ⁠Frank Onyeka

13. ⁠Adebayo Adeleye

14. ⁠Ademola Lookman

15. ⁠Akor Adams

16. ⁠Chidera Ejuke

17. ⁠Raphael Onyedika

18. ⁠Igoh Ogbu

19. ⁠Maduka Okoye

20. ⁠Samuel Chukwueze

21. ⁠Zaidu Sanusi

22. Wilfred Ndidi

Super Eagles To Open Camp March 24 For Iran, Jordan Friendlies

Nigeria’s senior national football team, the Super Eagles, are scheduled to open their training camp on March 24, 2026, in the coastal city of Antalya, Turkey, as it prepares for a reshaped international friendly campaign.

The team’s preparations will center around a four-nation invitational tournament, though the original host nation has been changed due to geopolitical instability in the region.

The tournament was initially planned to take place in Jordan, with fixtures slated for the capital, Amman. However, escalating military tensions across parts of the Middle East prompted security assessments that ultimately deemed the original stadiums unsuitable for hosting international matches.

Organisers subsequently made the decision to relocate the entire tournament to Antalya, a city that has become a frequent neutral-ground hub for football friendlies due to its established infrastructure and relative stability.

With the change of venue confirmed, the Super Eagles’ itinerary has been set. The team will kick off its campaign against Iran on Friday, March 27, with kickoff scheduled for 4:00 p.m. local time in Antalya.

Their second and final match of the invitational tournament will see them face the original hosts, Jordan, on Tuesday, March 31, under the lights with an 8:00 p.m. start.

The tournament format will provide each team with two competitive fixtures designed to simulate the demands of official competition.

For Nigeria, the two matches represent a critical opportunity for building momentum and cohesion. The Super Eagles have not played competitive football since their appearance at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, where they concluded their campaign with a third-place playoff encounter against Egypt.

As the team now looks ahead to the qualifying rounds for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, the upcoming friendlies are expected to serve as a vital testing ground.

The coaching staff is anticipated to use the camp and matches to evaluate squad depth, experiment with tactical setups, and integrate both returning mainstays and emerging talents ahead of the resumption of official continental qualifiers.

Ghalenoei Unveils 35-Man Squad for March Friendlies; Team Melli Prepares Amidst Turbulent Times.

Team Melli travels by road to Van , Turkey.

As Iran continues to face relentless Israeli/American military aggression, including direct strikes on its territory, civilian targets such as a Girls school and the assassination of its leaders, military commanders, and nuclear scientists, the national football team is preparing to navigate a complex path forward.
Head coach Amir Ghalenoei has announced a 35-man preliminary squad for the upcoming March training camp and two high-profile friendly matches against Nigeria and Costa Rica. The camp, set to commence in Turkey, represents a crucial step in Team Melli’s preparation for the future, even as the nation endures one of the most volatile periods in its modern history.

The announcement comes as Iran remains under sustained attack, making logistics quite a complicated task. Economic and military sanctions have further strangled infrastructure, and the sports sector has not been immune to these pressures.

In this context, Team Melli’s activities abroad are not merely logistical exercises; they are acts of resilience. The decision to hold the camp and matches in Turkey is a direct result of the security situation. With the nation under bombardment and airspace frequently compromised, hosting international teams inside Iran is currently impossible. The federation’s ability to arrange fixtures, secure flights, and guarantee the safety of players and staff has been severely tested by the twin pressures of war and sweeping sanctions.

The Squad: A Blend of Veterans and a High-Profile Debut

Ghalenoei’s roster reflects a strategy of continuity, veteran players, and the integration of some fresh talent. The squad is headlined by the return of out-of-favor Mehdi Torabi , Ehsan Hajsafi and the introduction of a dual citizen Iranian. Dennis Eckert.

There are several significant talking points in this squad, the most important of which is the exclusion of top scorer Sardar Azmoun for allegedly posting a picture with the ruler of Dubai in his social media post. Also, the first-ever call-up for Dennis Eckert, the 29-year-old Iranian-German forward currently plying his trade for Standard Liege in Belgium. Eckert, who is eligible to represent Iran through his heritage, has been granted the necessary permits from FIFA to switch his international allegiance. His inclusion is seen as a major coup for the federation, adding a powerful, physical presence to the forward line. Eckert’s ability to operate as a central striker or on the wing provides Ghalenoei with tactical flexibility against physically robust opponents like Nigeria.

The full 35-man squad is as follows:

  • Goalkeepers: Alireza Beiranvand, Seyed Hossein Hosseini, Payam Niazmand, Mohammad Khalifa.
  • Defenders: Ali Nemati, Hossein Abarghouei, Shoja Khalilzadeh, Saman Fallah, Mohammad Hossein Kanaanizadegan, Danial Iri, Ehsan Hajsafi, Milad Mohammadi, Abolfazl Jalali, Saleh Hardani, Ramin Rezaeian, Danial Esmaeilifar.
  • Midfielders: Saeid Ezatolahi, Mohammad Ghorbani, Omid Noorafkan, Saman Ghoddos, Amir Mohammad Razzaghinia, Mohammad Mohebi, Mehdi Ghayedi, Mehdi Torabi, Hadi Habibinejad.
  • Forwards: Mehdi Taremi, Amir Hossein Mahmoudi, Alireza Jahanbakhsh, Ali Gholizadeh, Mehdi Hashemnejad, Ali Alipour, Shahriyar Moghanlou, Ehsan Mahrougi, Amir Hossein Hosseinzadeh, Dennis Eckert.

The Matches: A Litmus Test Amidst Isolation

Team Melli is scheduled to face Nigeria (March 27) and Costa Rica (March 31) in Antalya, Turkey. These fixtures are considered a significant upgrade in opposition quality compared to many of Iran’s recent friendlies, which have been difficult to arrange due to the country’s political isolation.

The match against Nigeria, one of Africa’s powerhouses, will serve as a physical and tactical litmus test. The Super Eagles possess blistering pace and individual brilliance, mirroring the style of some Asian opponents while presenting a higher intensity. The game against Costa Rica, a team renowned for its defensive organization, will offer a different challenge, simulating the type of low-block defenses Iran often struggles to break down in Asian competitions.

For Ghalenoei, whose position is often a subject of intense public debate, these matches are an opportunity to demonstrate progress against top-tier opposition. The results, while secondary in friendlies, carry psychological weight for a nation seeking moments of pride and normalcy amidst the chaos of war.

Logistical Challenges Under Fire

The decision to hold the camp in Turkey is a pragmatic necessity born of crisis. Due to the ongoing bombardment of Iranian territory, the constant threat of further Israeli airstrikes, and the stringent enforcement of American-led sanctions, hosting international teams in Iran has become impossible. Turkey serves as the only viable logistical hub, allowing Iranian players based in Europe—such as Taremi, Ali Gholizadeh and Jahanbakhsh- to join the camp with minimal risk.

FFIRI has confirmed that news and images of the team’s preparations and departure will be disseminated through official media channels, attempting to maintain transparency and connect with a fan base eager for distraction from the relentless news of military strikes and regional escalation.

Conclusion: A Selection Defined by Caution, Not Courage

Ghalenoei's 35-man squad lays bare the conservative philosophy that has come to define his tenure. Rather than using these friendlies—played under exceptional circumstances—as an opportunity to inject fresh blood into the national team, the head coach has doubled down on familiarity, leaning heavily on a core of aging veterans whose best years are behind them.

The inclusion of Shoja Khalilzadeh (37) , a controversial figure whose presence has often divided fans and pundits alike, alongside the returns of Ehsan Hajsafi (36) , Ramin Rezaeian (36) , and Alireza Jahanbakhsh (33) , speaks volumes. In the case of Jahanbakhsh, the call-up is particularly difficult to justify; he has been far from impressive while playing for a struggling club at the bottom of the Belgian league. These selections reflect a coach who prioritizes experience over form and familiarity over potential.

To be sure, Ghalenoei will have excuses at the ready. The suspension of domestic league matches has deprived him of a meaningful rhythm to evaluate younger talent. The broader dearth of high-quality options within the league, exacerbated by the suffocating geopolitical situation and the ongoing war that has disrupted every facet of Iranian life, has undoubtedly limited his pool. These are not trivial obstacles, and they will serve as convenient justifications should the team's performances in Turkey fall short of expectations.

And yet, even accounting for these constraints, the squad reveals a deeper issue: a chronic lack of ambition from the coaching staff. Where a more daring manager might have used the chaos as cover to experiment and build for the future, Ghalenoei has clung to his policy of continuity regardless of circumstances. The result is a selection that feels safe to the point of stagnation.

More than a handful of players in this 35-man list have done little to earn their place on merit alone. Their presence suggests that Ghalenoei is content to ride or die with the old guard, using the league suspension and the regional crisis as a shield against criticism rather than a challenge to innovate.

In sum, this is a disappointing selection—not merely because of the geopolitical nightmare the nation is enduring, but because it reflects a coach whose perennial fear of risk continues to hold Team Melli back from the evolution it so desperately needs.

Azmoun kicked off national team for disloyalty, say reports!

March 20 (Reuters) - Sardar Azmoun, one of Iran's top soccer players, has been expelled from the national team for a perceived act of disloyalty to the government, Iranian media has reported, making it unlikely he will play any part in the World Cup.

Iran's participation in the World Cup as a whole is under a cloud because of the ongoing conflict with the United States, which is co-hosting the June 11-July 19 tournament with Mexico and Canada.

If Team Melli do turn up for their opening-round group matches, they will undoubtedly be weakened by the absence of striker Azmoun, who has scored 57 goals in 91 internationals since making his debut as a teenager in 2014.

Azmoun, who plays his club football in the United Arab Emirates for Shabab Al-Ahli, upset the Iranian authorities this week by posting a picture on his Instagram feed of a meeting with Dubai's ruler, Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

Iran has launched rocket and drone attacks on the UAE following air strikes by the United States and Israel, which killed the country's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

A report on the Fars News Agency, which has links to the hardline Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, cited "an informed source within the national team" as saying Azmoun had been expelled from the squad.

PICTURES REMOVED

Azmoun later removed the pictures but was still lambasted on state TV on Thursday, with football pundit Mohammad Misaghi saying the striker's actions had been an act of disloyalty.

"It's unfortunate that you don't have enough sense to understand what kind of behaviour is appropriate at a given time," Misaghi said.

"We should not mince words with such people. They should be told that they are not worthy of wearing the national team jersey.

"We have no patience for this sulking and childish behaviour. National team players should be people who proudly belt out the national anthem and deserve to wear the Iran jersey."

There was no immediate response to a request for comment on the matter from the Football Federation of the Islamic Republic of Iran (FFIRI).

Azmoun, 31, is one of the best-known footballers in Iran, where the game is a national obsession.

He has played his entire club career abroad with stints at Zenit Saint Petersburg, Bayer Leverkusen and Roma, as well as featuring for Iran in the 2018 and 2022 World Cups.

An unsourced report on the Navad News channel said on Thursday that an order had been issued for the seizure of the assets of Azmoun, another UAE-based national team forward Mehdi Ghayedi, and former international Soroush Rafiei.

Misaghi was speaking against the backdrop of pictures of a ceremony welcoming the Iranian women's national team back to Tehran on their return from Australia.

Seven of the delegation accepted asylum in Australia after the team was branded "wartime traitors" on Iranian state TV for not singing the national anthem before a Women's Asian Cup match. Five later decided to return to Iran.

Iran's men are scheduled to play friendly internationals in Antalya, Turkey, against Nigeria on March 27 and Costa Rica four days later as part of their World Cup preparations.

Team Melli to set up camp in Antalya, Turkey.

Members of Team mELLI are set to depart for Turkey later this week as part of their preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. According to reports from Tasnim News Agency, the team will play two international friendly matches against Nigeria and Costa Rica on the 27th and 31th of March 2026, respectively. These fixtures will provide a valuable opportunity for the coaching staff to evaluate the squad and fine-tune tactics ahead of the global tournament.

The team is scheduled to travel by land to the Turkish city of Van on Friday before continuing by air to Antalya, where the training camp will be held. Players based abroad are expected to join the squad following their club commitments, ensuring that the national team assembles at near full strength in the days leading up to the matches.

The coaching staff is also expected to announce the list of invited players soon. The selection will likely combine experienced internationals with emerging talents, as the team builds toward what is hoped to be a strong World Cup campaign.

However, preparations are unfolding under the shadow of a far more serious reality. Iran is currently facing ongoing military aggression carried out by the United States and Israel, part of a rapidly escalating conflict that has seen airstrikes on Iranian territory and retaliatory actions across the region. These developments have introduced a level of uncertainty rarely associated with sporting preparations of this scale.

Beyond the immediate challenges of training and squad selection, there are growing concerns about Iran’s ability to participate smoothly in the 2026 World Cup. Logistical issues such as international travel, airspace restrictions, and player movement could all be affected by the continuation of hostilities. In addition, the role of Donald Trump remains a point of concern, particularly given his administration’s direct involvement in the military campaign and past positions on restricting entry for Iranian nationals. The possibility—whether explicit or implied—of visa limitations or political barriers affecting players, staff, or supporters cannot be entirely dismissed.

This combination of sporting ambition and geopolitical pressure places the Iranian national team in a uniquely difficult position. While the players and coaching staff remain focused on their duties on the pitch, the broader circumstances serve as a reminder that international football is sometimes deeply intertwined with global events beyond its control.

For now, the team presses ahead with its preparations—determined to compete, but aware that factors beyond football may ultimately shape its path to the World Cup.

Iran to Face Nigeria and Costa Rica in March Friendlies

Amir Mehdi Alavi, spokesman for the Football Federation of Iran, has announced that Team Melli will play a friendly match against Nigeria on March 27th in Amman, Jordan. This will be Iran's first friendly following the 2026 World Cup draw.

Although Nigeria failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, they remain one of African football's traditional powerhouses. The match represents a serious test for Amir Ghalenoei's squad and fulfills the head coach's wish for meaningful preparation following Spain's withdrawal from a scheduled friendly in recent months.

Change of Plans

Ghalenoei had long insisted on holding the Nowruz camp in Europe, with initial plans for a training camp in Austria and preparatory matches against Scotland and Portugal. However, logistical challenges and the lack of suitable platforms for these matches led the federation to pursue alternative options. Instead, Iran will participate in a tournament in Jordan, facing Nigeria followed by Costa Rica.

The Opponents

Nigeria – Ranked 26th in FIFA rankings and third in Africa, the Super Eagles present a formidable challenge with their attacking style of play and physical approach. Despite missing the 2022 World Cup and failing to qualify for 2026, they remain one of Africa's strongest teams.

Under the leadership of Eric Chelle, who has secured 14 wins in 21 matches, Nigeria boasts an impressive lineup featuring stars like Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Wilfred Ndidi, and Alex Iwobi. For Iran's coaching staff, this match serves as valuable preparation for their World Cup group stage encounter with Egypt, simulating the style of play they can expect from their African opponents.

Costa Rica – The Central Americans, who have appeared in six World Cups, will provide a different test with their fast, technical football. The match against Costa Rica is scheduled for March 31st, 2026. Costa Rica has reportedly reached an agreement with former Spanish national team coach Robert Moreno, who will bring new tactical ideas to face Iran in the Jordan tournament.

Historical Context

Iran and Nigeria have met twice previously:

  • A 1-0 defeat in the 1998 Hong Kong tournament
  • A goalless draw in the 2014 World Cup in Brazil

The upcoming third encounter carries more technical and tactical significance than prestige, as Ghalenoei seeks to simulate conditions similar to the match against Egypt in World Cup Group G.

Strategic Preparation

While the inability to coordinate friendlies with major European teams has limited the coaching staff's options, the selection of two opponents with contrasting styles demonstrates a shift from reactive planning to purposeful goal-setting. Nigeria will test Iran against physical, African-style football, while Costa Rica offers experience against fast, technical Central American play.

Though the European camp and match against Scotland were ultimately canceled, Ghalenoei has achieved his primary objective: measuring his team against opponents capable of revealing the true caliber of his players. Nigeria, in particular, represents exactly the kind of challenge that will prepare Iran for the World Cup.

Iran Beach Soccer qualifies for 1//4 finals

 
  • Iran finish second in Group B, Nigeria are eliminated
  • Mohammad Ahmadzadeh and Mohammad Mokhtari each score twice for the Asian champions
  • Iran will face Group A winners Switzerland in the quarter-finals on 4 May

Iran defeated Nigeria 2-1 on penalties after a thrilling 4-4 draw after extra time to claim the runners-up spot in Group B and reach the quarter-finals of the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Bahamas 2017.

In what was an intriguing back-and-forth battle between two sides looking to make the last eight, Mohammad Ahmadzadeh and Mohammad Mokhtari each scored a pair of goals for the Asian champions.

To their credit, Nigeria gave an excellent account of themselves, with Victor Tale, Emmanuel Ohwoferia, Godspower Igudia, and Bartholomew Ibenegbu getting on the scoresheet.

After regulation and extra time could not settle matters, it was Iran that held their nerve in the penalty shoot-out to finish second in the group and set up a quarter-final clash with Switzerland on 4 May.

World Cup 2014 Group'F': How can the teams qualify?

Ahead of the final round of fixtures in Group F, we look at the various permutations.
Argentina – Qualified Lionel Messi's late goal over Iran last week booked a place for the Argentinians in the last 16.  A draw over second place Nigeria will see them top Group F. Nigeria – Must draw with Argentina A draw between Nigeria and Argentina will work well for both teams as the South Americans will win the group with the Africans guaranteeing their place in the knock-out stages. A win for Nigeria over Argentina will see them top Group F, sending Argentina into second place. Iran – Need to beat Bosnia-Hercegovina and require Argentine win over Algeria, with a superior goal difference After losing to Argentina in the cruellest fashion last week, the Iranians now rely on them to triumph over Algeria whilst making sure they beat Bosnia-Herzegovina in the process. Even then, Iran will need a superior goal difference to advance.  Bosnia-Herzegovina – Out With two losses from two games, Bosnia-Herzegovina are guaranteed to be spectators following the conclusion of the group matches.
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