Tag: Ramin Rezaeian

Team Melli Suffer Familiar Defeat as Russia Win 2-0 in Kazan

Team Melli lost 2-0 to Russia in Tuesday evening’s international friendly at Kazan Arena, with Aleksandr Golovin’s first-half brace condemning Amir Ghalenoei’s side to another dispiriting defeat.

Golovin opened the scoring in the 21st minute after outpacing Ramin Rezaeian and slipping the ball between Hossein Hosseini’s legs. The finish was composed, but the build-up highlighted Iran’s vulnerability: Rezaeian was beaten far too easily, and the defensive cover was absent. Fifteen minutes later, Golovin doubled Russia’s lead with a spectacular free kick that curled into the top left corner, leaving Hosseini with no chance.

For Iran, it was much the same as what has become familiar under Ghalenoei. The game plan was to defend deep and hope that counterattacks might produce something. The return of Sardar Azmoun to play alongside Mehdi Taremi , together for the first time since the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, was supposed to energize the attack. In reality, it was deeply disappointing. Taremi, in particular, looked far from ready and appeared to have lost much of the sharpness he once displayed in Europe. Azmoun, meanwhile, was starved of service.

The midfield was as disjointed as ever. There was no driving force, no sustained control, and Saeid Ezatollahi too often lost his bearings, surrendering possession and failing to link defence with attack. The defence, which had been in tatters during the previous defeat to Uzbekistan, performed relatively better but still not convincingly. The opening goal came from Rezaeian being beaten for pace, even if Golovin’s finish was beautifully taken.

The second half brought more of the same. Ghalenoei made seven changes, but they made little, if any, difference. Russia continued to look the more coherent side, and only the brilliant saves of reserve goalkeeper Payam Niazmand kept the scoreline from becoming embarrassing. Niazmand saved Iran from blushes, but he could not save Ghalenoei’s rapidly declining reputation and popularity, with more and more voices calling for his dismissal.

This was not simply a friendly defeat. It was another illustration of Iran’s unresolved problems: a passive tactical approach, a malfunctioning midfield, and an attack that depends on individual moments rather than collective ideas. Unless Ghalenoei can find answers quickly, the pressure on him will only intensify, and Team Melli will continue to drift.

Ezatollahi Hardani abbosbek Fayzullaev

Iran’s Defensive Calamity Proves Costly in 3–1 Friendly Defeat to Uzbekistan

FERGANA, Uzbekistan — Iran’s national football team opened its September 2026 FIFA international window with a chastening 3–1 friendly defeat against Uzbekistan on Thursday at Fergana’s Istiqlol Stadium. The match, which kicked off at 17:30, carried significance beyond a routine warm-up given the long history between the two sides.

From the opening whistle, both teams looked to control possession and build attacks, but the first half turned on a bizarre error by Iran’s captain, Ehsan Hajsafi. In the 10th minute, his misplaced pass akin to a perfect assist , was seized upon by Eldor Shomurodov, who capitalized and beat goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand to give Uzbekistan an early lead. Iran were fortunate not to concede again shortly afterward. In the 25th minute, another Shomurodov effort struck the woodwork and went wide, keeping the score at 1–0.

The remainder of the first half offered little comfort for Amir Ghalenoei’s side. Beiranvand made a mistake, the defense lacked coordination, and Iran’s finishing was inaccurate. At the break, Ghalenoei’s men trailed and had produced little to suggest a comeback.

Ghalenoei responded with tactical changes at halftime, introducing Sardar Azmoun, Ramin Rezaeian, and Khalilzadeh in place of Denis Dargahi, Saleh Hardani, and Saman Fallah. Azmoun was immediately handed the captain’s armband and took up a position in Iran’s attack for the final 45 minutes.

The changes paid off quickly. In the 49th minute, Iran equalized from a set piece. Rezaeian’s delivery went straight into Vladimir Nazarov’s net without touching any other player, bringing the score to 1–1 and giving Iran renewed hope.

But parity was short-lived. Minutes later, after a questionable incident in Iran’s penalty area caused by a lapse in judgment from Beiranvand, Uzbekistan were awarded a penalty, albeit a harsh one. Shomurodov stepped up and converted, scoring his second goal of the match and restoring Uzbekistan’s lead.

In the 80th minute, the referee sent off Uzbekistan’s Djiyanov, but the decision was reversed after a VAR review, allowing both teams to continue with eleven players. As the match entered stoppage time, Hossein Norchaev scored a third goal past Beiranvand, sealing a heavy defeat for Ghalenoei’s squad.

The result was made more striking by the age gap between the sides: Iran’s average age was 29.5, compared with 25.6 for Uzbekistan. Uzbekistan, coached by Fabio Cannavaro, looked sharper and more energetic in key moments.

Uzbekistan lineup: Vladimir Nazarov, Abdukodir Khusanov, Sonatullo Karimov, Mukhammadkodir Urozov, Akmal Mozgovoy, Odil Khamrobekov, Azizjon Ganiev, Sherzod Nasrullaev, Eldor Shomurodov, Dostonbek Khamdamov, Abbosbek Fayzullaev.
Head coach: Fabio Cannavaro.

Iran lineup: STANDING L2R: Mohammad-Mehdi Mohebbi, Alireza Beiranvand, Aria Yousefi, Saeid Ezatolahi, Saman Fallah, Mehdi Taremi, SITTING L2R: Ehsan Hajsafi, Denis Dargahi, Saleh Hardani, Omid Noorafkan, Ali Nemati, .
Head coach: Amir Ghalenoei.
Substitutes used: Sardar Azmoun, Ramin Rezaeian, Khalilzadeh, Limouchi, Ghorbani, Mahmoudi

For Iran, the match will serve as a warning. Defensive lapses, a costly goalkeeper error, and an inability to turn first-half possession into chances left Ghalenoei’s side with a heavy defeat. While it is expected that those defensive shortfalls will be addressed in the next warm-up fixtures ahead, the concern is that Ghalenoei and his coaching staff lack the tactical prowess and skill needed to provide solutions and turn this ageing team into winners come AFC Asian Cup 2027.

But the defeat also raised a more fundamental question: Ghalenoei’s insistence on ageing players. Iran’s average age was 29.5, compared with Uzbekistan’s 25.6, and the gap showed. The veterans entrusted with key roles—Hajsafi, Beiranvand, Ezatolahi, Taremi and later Azmoun , Khalilzadeh and Rezaeian—could not match Uzbekistan’s energy, speed or pressing. The captain’s error led directly to the first goal, Beiranvand’s lapse contributed to the penalty, and the team’s overall lack of legs made it easy for a younger, sharper opponent to exploit spaces.

Ghalenoei’s substitutions, rather than injecting youth, simply replaced one set of experienced players with another. That conservatism may buy short-term stability, but it is not a credible path to renewal. If Ghalenoei and his staff cannot adapt their tactics, trust younger players, and build a side capable of coping with modern, high-tempo opponents, then this defeat will be more than a warning: it will be a preview of what awaits Iran at the AFC Asian Cup 2027.

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.

From Shambles to Solidity: Iran's Defensive Masterclass Stuns Belgium

Beiranvand Heroics Earn Team Melli a Vital Point Against Belgium

Iran and Belgium played out a goalless draw at the SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles in the second Group G encounter for both teams. With this result, Iran temporarily sits atop the group on two points, followed by Belgium, New Zealand, and Egypt—all of whom remain in contention ahead of the later match between the Kiwis and the Pharaohs.

A Transformed Team Takes the Pitch

After the disappointing draw and lackluster performance against New Zealand, Amir Ghalenoei made decisive changes that revitalized the team. The individual errors that had plagued Iran in the opener were conspicuously absent, and the team's weakest link, the defense, emerged as the undisputed star of the show against the Belgian golden generation.

Starting Lineup:
Beiranvand (GK); Hardani, Kanaani, Khalilzadeh, Nemati, Hajsafi; Rezaeian, Ghoddos, Ezatollahi; Mohebi, Taremi.

These changes were clearly designed to neutralize the speed and trickery of Belgium's wingers, Jérémy Doku and Leandro Trossard. In the end, however, Doku was declared unfit due to a medical issue, sparing Iran one significant headache, though Trossard proved more than capable of causing problems on his own.

Beiranvand: A World-Class Performance

Alireza Beiranvand was the undoubted MVP of the match, delivering a performance that harked back to his heroics at the 2018 World Cup. The Iranian goalkeeper made an astonishing 17 saves, commanding his area with the confidence of a world-class shot-stopper. His timely catches and fearless collection of crosses frustrated Romelu Lukaku, who, despite a strong individual display, was repeatedly denied by Beiranvand before being substituted late in the match.

Defensive Solidity – A Monumental Improvement

Iran's backline produced one of its most disciplined and cohesive performances in recent memory. Solid positioning, excellent covering work, and timely interceptions ensured that Belgium's attacking riches were kept largely at bay. The only black mark came on the right flank, where Saleh Hardani was not only ineffective but a genuine liability. Trossard bamboozled him repeatedly, forcing Ghalenoei to haul him off at half-time—a merciful end to a torrid 45 minutes.

Midfield Battle – Grit Over Glamour

The midfield was far more active than in the New Zealand match, with both Saeed Ezzatollahi and Saman Ghoddos contributing their fair share of defensive work. The game plan leaned heavily toward direct, route-one football, bypassing Belgium's press and targeting Taremi in advanced areas. Ramin Rezaeian, deployed in a more advanced midfield role, was less effective on the right flank than he had been against New Zealand and failed to replicate his Man of the Match performance from the opener.

Taremi: The Captain's Crusade

Up front, Mehdi Taremi was immense in every sense of the word. He tackled relentlessly, distributed intelligently, and scored a brilliant goal that was cruelly ruled out for offside after a lengthy VAR review. The captain also tested Thibaut Courtois on multiple occasions, but the Belgian goalkeeper, widely regarded as one of the world's best, was equal to every effort.

Taremi's crowning contribution came in the 66th minute, when he robbed Nathan Ngoy of possession after the Belgian defender's poor ball control. As Taremi bore down on goal, Ngoy hauled him down, resulting in a straight red card. The sending-off tilted the dynamics of the match decisively in Iran's favor.

Numerical Advantage – But No Decisive Blow

With Belgium reduced to ten men, Iran enjoyed prolonged possession and territorial dominance. Yet, despite the man advantage, Team Melli failed to find the elusive winning goal that would have all but secured qualification. The inability to capitalize on the extra man will rankle with Ghalenoei and his staff—a missed opportunity that could prove costly in the final reckoning.

A Worrying Trend: Ball Retention Woes

One persistent issue that marred an otherwise encouraging display was Iran's failure to retain possession. Throughout the match, Team Melli lost the ball on average every 12 seconds—a damning statistic that reflected a lack of composure and technical security. This improved somewhat after Belgium went down to ten men, but the underlying fragility in possession remains a serious concern.

Substitutions: A Mixed Bag

Ghalenoei's substitutions were a mixed bag. Removing Hardani at half-time was unquestionably the right call, but replacing him with Alireza Jahanbakhsh, who offered even less defensive cover and attacking thrust, was a baffling decision. Jahanbakhsh's introduction did little to stabilize the right flank or exploit Belgium's numerical disadvantage, raising questions about Ghalenoei's in-game management.

What It Means for Group G

With two points on the board, nothing is decided in Group G until the final round of matches. However, Iran's disciplined and resilient performance against a formidable Belgium side has injected genuine hope into fans and critics alike. For the first time in their World Cup history, Team Melli stands on the verge of qualifying for the Round of 32—provided they can deliver one more decisive performance in the final group fixture against Egypt.

The dream is alive. But the hard work is far from over.

Ghalenoei Under the Gun – Tactical Overhaul Urgently Needed as Belgium Looms

Team Melli's 2-2 draw against New Zealand—a match widely perceived as the most winnable of the three group fixtures—has drawn fierce criticism toward head coach Amir Ghalenoei and a host of underperforming players. With the toughest test of the group stage arriving tomorrow against Belgium, Ghalenoei finds himself with no room for error. He must not only mitigate the expected damage but also salvage Iran's fading hopes of advancing to the knockout rounds.

Limited Options, Limited Vision

Frankly, Ghalenoei does not have a wealth of options at his disposal. The squad lacks strength in depth, and there is no clearly defined, coherent game plan that the coach can confidently deploy. Nevertheless, it is imperative that the technical staff rise to the occasion and devise a strategy capable of neutralizing a completely different threat in the form of Belgium's golden generation.

Defensive Crisis – The Achilles' Heel

The most critical area of concern remains the backline. Alireza Beiranvand is the only viable option in goal, despite a performance against New Zealand that did little to inspire confidence. His shot-stopping was suspect, and his distribution remains a persistent liability.

In central defense, the options are available but far from reassuring. Shoja Khalilzadeh is slow, error-prone, and was directly at fault for both goals conceded against the Kiwis. Ali Nemati offered little alongside him, displaying minimal understanding or coordination with his partner. It is becoming increasingly apparent that Nemati is uncomfortable in the heart of Iran's defense at this level.

The alternative is Mohammad Hossein Kanaanizadegan, Khalilzadeh's usual partner, who has inexplicably found himself on the bench. Also available is Danial Eiri, but selecting him would require a level of courage that Ghalenoei has conspicuously failed to demonstrate throughout his tenure. The odds strongly favor Kanaanizadegan's return to the starting lineup alongside Khalilzadeh, tasked with the unenviable job of neutralizing Romelu Lukaku, who is expected to lead Belgium's attack.

Flank Warfare – Containing the Doku Threat

On the flanks, Ghalenoei has a potential solution in the form of Saleh Hardani—a tenacious, hard-tackling defender who can be deployed specifically to contain the explosive Jérémy Doku. However, Hardani alone may not be sufficient to neutralize a player of Doku's caliber.

This is where Ramin Rezaeian becomes pivotal. By utilizing Rezaeian in a dual role—operating as both a pseudo-right-back and an attacking right winger—Ghalenoei could kill two birds with one stone. Rezaeian possesses the experience, skill, and quality to execute such a demanding role, and history has shown that the closer he gets to the opponent's goal, the more influential he becomes. Deploying both Hardani and Rezaeian simultaneously would create a defensive-offensive partnership while ensuring there is no empty space behind Rezaeian for Doku to exploit on the counter.

Midfield Malaise – Time for Change

The midfield was arguably the weakest link against New Zealand, with Saeed Ezzatollahi and Saman Ghoddos delivering performances that ranged from anonymous to outright detrimental. Introducing Mohammad Ghorbani could provide much-needed defensive solidity and energy in the middle of the park. Ghoddos, for his part, faces no serious challenger for his position—but that is more a reflection of the squad's lack of depth than his own form. The hope is that he will finally wake up and deliver a performance worthy of his reputation against Belgium.

Frontline Adjustments – Time for Ghaedi

In attack, starting Mehdi Ghaedi could give Iran the creative spark and dribbling threat that was sorely missing against New Zealand. Keeping Mohammad Mohebi and Mehdi Taremi in their respective positions remains the best available solution, but Ghalenoei must ensure that the forward line operates with greater cohesion and understanding than it showed in the opener.

The Mental Battle – Composure Is Key

Beyond tactics and personnel, Ghalenoei and his coaching staff must address the emotional fragility that plagued the team against New Zealand. Haste, confusion, and a lack of composure were evident in nearly every area of the pitch. Experienced Iranian players repeatedly failed to execute simple moves or complete basic passes—a damning indictment of their mental state. With only hours remaining before the Belgium clash, this psychological deficiency must be urgently addressed. Whether it can be fixed in such a short time remains highly doubtful.

The Draw against New Zealand: Promise and Concerns.

Team Melli began their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with a 2–2 draw against New Zealand in Inglewood, Los Angeles, a result that offered both promise and concern for Iranian fans.

The match was notable for several reasons, not least the starting lineup chosen by head coach Amir Ghalenoei. He unveiled a formation rarely seen in public with Team Melli with 5 defenders. The lineup featured right-back Aria Yousefi and striker Shahriar Moghanloo, a late addition to the 33-man squad in Turkey, in the starting XI. Yousefi, deployed out of his natural position, struggled to make an impact. Moghanloo, however, exceeded expectations. Despite displaying some raw technical deficiencies, the forward’s physical presence, work rate, and willingness to press and challenge for duels made him a persistent nuisance for the New Zealand defense. While his inclusion has drawn criticism from some quarters, his performance suggested he could offer a unique attacking option, provided he continues to develop his link-up play and decision-making in the final third.

The undisputed star of the match was Ramin Rezaeian. Just months ago, his place in the World Cup squad seemed uncertain, but a return to form following his transfer to Foolad Khuzestan earned him a recall, and he repaid that faith emphatically. Rezaeian scored one goal and provided a pinpoint assist for Mohammad Mohebi, earning the Player of the Match award. In doing so, he also etched his name into Iranian football history as the first and only Iranian player to score in two separate World Cups.

However, the performance of Iran’s substitutes left much to be desired. Mehdi Ghaedi, Ali Alipour, Ehsan Hajsafi, and Amirhossein Hosseinzadeh failed to inject energy or alter the flow of the game after coming on. More than the players themselves, it was Ghalenoei’s inability to read the match dynamics and introduce timely changes that proved costly against a resolute and physically strong New Zealand side.

Defensively, Iran looked vulnerable, a concern that has been voiced for months, if not years. When New Zealand attacked from deep, the Iranian backline appeared disorganized, with poor covering and a lack of cohesive teamwork. Both goals conceded stemmed from these structural frailties. With Belgium and Egypt looming, this is a glaring issue that Ghalenoei’s staff must urgently address. Given the limited preparation time and squad options, however, a dramatic improvement before the next match against Belgium seems unlikely.

Captain Mehdi Taremi was industrious as ever, covering vast amounts of ground and showing commendable stamina. Yet his technical execution fell short of the high standards expected of a player of his caliber. His best moment came in the first half, when a delightful curling effort struck the post. On that occasion, a pass to either of two better-placed teammates may have been the wiser choice, a decision that could prove critical in tighter matches.

Mohammad Mohebi, despite scoring a brilliant goal and influencing the result, was not without fault. His loss of possession directly led to New Zealand’s second goal, a mistake that must be reviewed by the coaching staff. While his attacking contribution is invaluable, such lapses cannot be overlooked at this level.

Another talking point was the absence of an experienced, high-level assistant alongside Ghalenoei. While Saeed Elhovie, Andranik Teymurian, and Rahman Rezaei possess valuable football knowledge, their experience at World Cup level is limited. In major tournaments, having seasoned support on the bench can be crucial, and this void may have been felt during key moments of the match.

The midfield unit, led by Saman Ghoddos and Saeed Ezzatollahi, struggled under New Zealand’s pressing game. Both made uncharacteristic errors, and the duo lacked influence in building attacks or shielding the defense. Ghalenoei may need to consider alternatives—such as introducing Ghorbani or Amir Mohammad Razzaghinia as a more defensive-minded presence—but the reality is that the squad lacks depth and quality in the middle of the park.

Haste was another recurring issue. Iranian players often rushed their decisions instead of controlling the tempo, leading to wasted possession and disjointed transitions. Ghalenoei must work on instilling greater composure and game management ahead of the remaining group matches.

In goal, Alireza Beiranvand delivered a generally solid performance, making several key saves. However, both New Zealand goals, particularly the second, were stoppable, and the keeper no longer resembles the commanding figure who dazzled the world in previous tournaments. Behind a fragile defense, Iran needs a goalkeeper who can provide security and leadership; Beiranvand remains the best option, but his form raises questions.

Ultimately, the draw against New Zealand was a mixed bag, a result with encouraging signs but also glaring warnings. Team Melli must build on its strengths while addressing defensive instability, midfield coherence, and tactical discipline. Much rests on Ghalenoei’s shoulders, and his tendency toward unconventional tactics and selection choices will continue to invite scrutiny. The road ahead is steep, but with focused preparation, Iran can still make its mark on this World Cup.

Team Melli defeats Mali in the last preparation match before the World Cup

For its last World Cup warm-up match, played this Thursday in Antalya (Turkey), behind closed doors, Iran beat Mali (2-0). Before flying to Mexico on Saturday and returning to their base camp in Tijuana during the World Cup (June 11-July 19), Iran won their last warm-up match against Mali (2-0) on Thursday. This result comes after a first victory against Gambia (3-1), on May 29.
The match was held behind closed doors, without any media, at the Titanic Stadium in Antalya, Turkey, where Team Melli had started its gathering. Both goals were scored by Saeid Ezatolahi (14th) and Ramin Rezaeian (55th).

Amir Ghalenoei made 9 substitutions in a match that saw two of the excluded players given minutes in the match, including a debut match for Hadi Habibinejad, who replaced Arya Yousefi in the 77th minute. Amirhossein Mahmoudi also found playing time

The 21st nation in the FIFA ranking will start the competition on July 15 against New Zealand. In Group G, the Iranians, who have received their visas for Mexico but not yet for the United States, will also face New Zealand and Egypt.

Ramin Rezaeian’s Stellar Form and Team Melli’s Dilemma

Ramin Rezaeian’s impressive form in the league and his man-of-the-match performance in the AFC Elite League yesterday against Al-Gharafa, where Esteghlal triumphed over the Qatari side with a comprehensive 3-0 victory, highlight a significant gap in Team Melli’s current lineup. His absence from the national team is increasingly difficult to justify, especially given his recent performances.

Rezaeian has been missing from Team Melli’s roster for some time now. Coach Amir Ghalenoei has not provided a clear explanation for this, aside from his general tendency to introduce younger players—a strategy that is both acceptable and admirable. However, when a player of Rezaeian’s caliber, who excels in providing assists, scoring goals, and defending with true grit, is available, his exclusion raises questions. His powerful shots alone make him a strong candidate for a place in the squad. Team Melli, particularly on the right flank, lacks depth, and Rezaeian’s skills could significantly bolster the team’s performance.

If Ghalenoei’s justification for excluding Rezaeian is based on age, it appears inconsistent. The squad includes Shoja Khalilzadeh, who is older than Rezaeian, and Ghalenoei himself has stated that “age is just a number.” Therefore, age should not be a barrier to Rezaeian’s selection.

If disciplinary issues are the reason for Rezaeian’s exclusion, Ghalenoei should clarify this, as he did with Ahmad Nourollahi, whose unauthorized departure from the squad led to his exclusion from future selections.

The most complex reason could be personal differences. While the coach has the right to select players he deems best, personal feelings should not overshadow the team’s greater needs.

One does not need to be an expert to see that, at 34, Ramin Rezaeian is currently the best right-back in Iran by a considerable margin.

Similarly, Rouzbeh Cheshmi, the defensive midfielder from Esteghlal, is another player who could easily replace the struggling Saeid Ezatollahi in the team. Cheshmi’s agility and quality in both defensive and offensive roles make him a strong candidate for the squad. Team Melli does not have an abundance of defensive midfielders, making Cheshmi’s exclusion puzzling. Notably, both Rezaeian and Cheshmi have scored in the World Cup, further proving their worth.

Amir Ghalenoei: Insights on Iran’s Football Journey

Absentees justifications

Amir Ghalenoei, the head coach of the Iran national football team, recently shared his thoughts on the team’s achievements and upcoming challenges. Speaking on the sidelines of a practice session just before heading to Hong Kong for the match in the qualifying rounds of FIFA World Cup 2026, Ghalenoei highlighted several key points:

  1. Victory Against Turkmenistan: A Milestone
    • The recent match against Turkmenistan held significant importance for Team Melli. Not only did we secure a win in Ashgabat, but it was also the first time they defeated Turkmenistan. This victory ensured our qualification to the next round of the World Cup qualifiers and qualification to the AFC Asian Cup 2027.
    • Despite winning by just one goal, the three points earned were invaluable. Ghalenoei emphasized the team’s resilience and determination.
  2. Leadership in the Group
    • Another noteworthy achievement was becoming the group leader. This position reflects the team’s consistency and performance throughout the qualifying matches.
    • Ghalenoei praised the players’ efforts and teamwork, acknowledging their role in securing this leadership position.
  3. Balancing Experience and Youth
    • The coach discussed the importance of integrating young talents into the national team. Players invited to the previous camp showcased their skills in league matches, providing hope for the team’s future.
    • Ghalenoei emphasized that these young players should learn alongside experienced teammates. Their development will contribute to Iranian football’s growth in the long term.
  4. Seyyed Hossein Hosseini’s Absence
    • Addressing Seyyed Hossein Hosseini’s absence from the current camp, Ghalenoei clarified that the decision was based on various factors.
    • While Hosseini performed well in the recently concluded league, he faced mental challenges after the Esteghlal vs. Peykan match. The coaching staff engaged in discussions with him, considering both physical and mental aspects.
    • Ghalenoei hinted that Hosseini’s situation could be resolved, and he might be invited to the match against Uzbekistan.
  5. Ramin Rezaian’s Prospects
    • Ramin Rezaian, another player under consideration, could feature in the next camp. His potential and performance will be closely monitored.
    • Team Melli's departure for an away trip without training in Tehran is a rare occurrence. Ghalenoei expressed optimism about the team’s adaptability and the changes they’ve implemented.

In summary, Amir Ghalenoei’s insights provide a glimpse into the team’s dynamics, challenges, and aspirations. As they prepare for future matches, Team Melli aims to maintain their winning streak and continue making strides in international football.

Iran v Hong Kong updates

Team Melli will play its second match in Group C of the AFC Asian Cup 2023 against Hong Kong at 20:30 local time today. Following Iran's 4-1 win against Palestine, this match will be the confirmation of qualification to the next round in case of a win.

Shoja'a Khalilzadeh has been added to the injury list of Team Melli after the central defender received a knock in the match against Palestine. He is not available for tonight's match and his replacement will be Seyed Majid Hosseini.

Mehdi Torabi who was not included in the Palestine match due to an injury, is also available for selection by the coaches.

Khalilzadeh is not the only change in the expected lineup as two key players are available and will most probably start the game. After fully recovering from his slight injury, Ramin Rezaiean will be one of the starters. The right winger played a few minutes in the previous game and showed no sign of any problems.

Also, Sardar Azmoun will be starting the game along with Mehdi Taremi. Karim Ansarifard will return to the bench. Azmoun was the last player to join the squad, hence Ghalenoei opted to use him in the second half against Palestine.

Against Hong Kong, there is also a possibility of a change in the middle of the field, where Team Melli lacks dynamism and energy with Saman Ghoddos taking the full burden. The defensive midfield needs to be better equipped, hence the chances of dropping the ineffective Ezatollahi are quite high.