Tag: Uzbekistan

Team Melli Set for Quadrangular Tournament in November FIFA Window

The Iranian national football team is set for a busy and competitive schedule during the next FIFA international break in November. Following warm-up matches against Russia and Tanzania in October, the Football Federation (FFIRI) has secured Team Melli's participation in a four-nation tournament hosted by the United Arab Emirates.

The tournament, which promises a high level of competition, will feature Iran, Egypt, Uzbekistan, and Cape Verde. This provides crucial preparation for the teams that have already qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, offering a stern test against diverse playing styles.

Tournament Schedule and Potential Showdowns

According to the tournament format, the semi-finals are scheduled for November 7. Iran will face the Cape Verde national team, currently ranked 70th in the FIFA World Rankings. A victory would see Team Melli advance to the final on November 17, where they would face the winner of the other semi-final between Uzbekistan and Egypt.

The prospect of a final between Iran and Egypt, featuring Mohamed Salah, is a tantalizing one for football fans in West Asia and North Africa, promising an exciting clash of styles and star power. Both Egypt and Uzbekistan, like Iran, have already secured their passage to the 2026 World Cup.

If Iran loses its semi-final against Cape Verde, the team will not be idle, facing the loser of the Uzbekistan-Egypt match in a third-place playoff on November 12.

A Closer Look at Iran's Opponent: Cape Verde

The upcoming match will be the first-ever international meeting between Iran and Cape Verde, adding an element of the unknown to the fixture.

Cape Verde, known as the "Blue Sharks," are far from a minor opponent. They are one of Africa's most respected and formidable teams, consistently punching above their weight. Their recent performance in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), where they topped a group containing Egypt and Ghana before reaching the quarter-finals, announced them as a serious force.

Despite a recent 2-1 loss to Libya—a match where they were reportedly hampered by a refereeing error that cost them a direct path to World Cup qualification—they remain a dangerous and organized side. Coached by Bubista, their team is built on a foundation of tactical discipline, physical strength, and explosive counter-attacks. They boast talented players such as Jovane Cabral (Sampdoria), Ryan Mendes (Fatih Karagümrük), and captain Stopira, many of whom ply their trade in top European leagues.

For Amir Ghalenoei's Iranian squad, this match against a motivated and athletic African opponent will be a vital test, particularly in assessing the team's tactical flexibility and discipline—areas that have recently come under scrutiny.

This quadrangular tournament represents a significant step in Iran's preparations for the 2026 World Cup, offering two high-stakes matches against quality opposition that will challenge the team and its management.

Critical Review: Team Melli at the CAFA Nations Cup 2025

An Analytical Assessment of Iran’s Shortcomings Following Its Defeat in the Final

Introduction

Team Melli's campaign at the CAFA Nations Cup 2025 concluded in profound disappointment with a narrow defeat to Uzbekistan in the tournament final. Entering as the region’s overwhelming favorite, Team Melli’s journey was undermined by a host of structural and tactical deficiencies that ultimately prevented them from securing the title. This review offers a critical analysis of Iran’s performance, highlighting defensive frailties, midfield inefficiency, a lack of creativity, persistent disciplinary issues, questionable squad selection, and significant coaching shortcomings.

Defensive Vulnerabilities Exposed

Iran’s most glaring weakness throughout the tournament was its defense. The backline was repeatedly exposed, where it struggled to maintain shape and composure under the opponent's pressure. Defenders displayed poor spatial awareness and were frequently caught out of position, creating dangerous opportunities for the opposition. Individual errors, missed tackles, misjudged clearances, and poor marking directly contributed to goals conceded at critical moments. A palpable lack of cohesion, compounded by communication breakdowns and an absence of authoritative leadership, turned these lapses from isolated mistakes into a recurring theme that doomed the campaign.

Midfield Inefficiency and Lack of Control

The midfield failed to provide a foundation for success, offering neither control nor creativity. Central players struggled to link defense with attack, often resorting to safe, sideways, or backward passes that slowed the tempo and allowed opponents to reorganize. There was a distinct lack of vision and inventiveness, with few attempts to break defensive lines or create meaningful chances for the forwards. Defensively, the midfield offered scant protection, consistently losing duels and allowing opponents to transition quickly and exploit space. This inability to dictate the game's rhythm left Iran perpetually vulnerable and starved the attack of service.

A Persistent Discipline Problem

Discipline—both personal and tactical—remains a significant concern for Team Melli, a trend that has persisted throughout Amir Ghalenoei’s tenure. Individually, players committed unnecessary fouls in dangerous areas and showed lapses in focus, leading to costly bookings. Tactically, the team frequently abandoned its structure, chasing the ball and creating easily exploitable gaps. This lack of collective discipline undermined any semblance of organized play and is a fundamental issue that must be addressed.

Questionable Squad Selection and Quality

The composition of the squad itself raised serious questions. While credit is due for selecting players from the domestic league, the on-field performance of several individuals was well below the standard required for international football. Key positions were occupied by players lacking the necessary technical ability or tactical intelligence, and a lack of quality depth on the bench severely limited Iran’s options for in-game adjustments.

Naïve Coaching and Tactical Rigidity

The coaching staff’s game plan was notably naïve, lacking the adaptability and strategic sophistication needed for a high-stakes tournament. Iran’s approach was predictable, with little variation in attack and an over-reliance on individual brilliance over cohesive team play. Substitutions and tactical tweaks were often too late or failed to address the core problems, issues that were apparent even during the group stage. The inability to respond to Uzbekistan’s tactical shifts in the final—even considering the gallant effort of playing a man down—exposed a critical lack of preparation and flexibility from the bench.

Conclusion and a Broader Concern

Team Melli’s defeat in the CAFA final is a stark reminder of the immense work required before the 2026 World Cup. To regain regional prominence and prepare for the global stage, Iran must take decisive action: solidify the defense, inject creativity into the midfield, enforce higher disciplinary standards, select players based strictly on merit, and adopt a more sophisticated and adaptable tactical approach.

This tournament also highlighted a disturbing broader trend: the steep decline in the standard of the Iranian domestic league. This was evident in the performances of many league-based players. The fact that Iran now has only one representative in the AFC Champions League Elite, down from four in recent years, underscores this deterioration. This decline is exacerbated by a distorted economic reality where clubs like Esteghlal and Persepolis, receiving significant state support, pay astronomical wages in a struggling economy, yet suffer humiliating results, such as Esteghlal's 7-1 defeat to UAE's Al-Wasl.

This is a reality check for Iranian football. The production line of quality players has deteriorated. The few talented individuals must be professionally coached and managed to salvage pride at the 2026 World Cup.

Player Ratings

  • Payam NIAZMAND (4/10): Not an assuring performance across four games against inferior opposition. A worrying sign for the goalkeeping position.
  • Aref AGHASI (4/10): Underwhelming. Numerous shortcomings have rightfully placed his selection under scrutiny.
  • Ali NEMATI (5/10): Failed to live up to expectations based on his club form. Has yet to prove he deserves a starting role.
  • Arya YOUSEFI (5/10): Inconsistent. His poor tackle in the final was unfortunate but costly. Often the target of the manager's vocal criticism.
  • Hossein KANANI-ZADEGAN (7.5/10): Proved his value when on the pitch, arguably the best defender. However, his known disciplinary liability remains a concern.
  • Saman GHODDOS (5/10): A disappointing tournament from an expected maestro. Lacked creativity, was anonymous in matches, and showed no leadership as captain.
  • Omid NOORAFKAN (6/10): Deployed in multiple roles and was solid, though not instrumental in changing the team's results.
  • Mohammad GHORBANI (5/10): Looked lost and unsure of his role. Needs to assert himself significantly to earn more playing time.
  • Amir Hossein HOSSEINZADEH (8/10): A talented, opportunistic forward who was a menace to opponents and deserves more minutes.
  • Shahriyar MOGHANLOU (4/10): International football appears beyond his tactical grasp. Offered very little.
  • Mohammad MOHEBI (8/10): An established, consistent, and effective player despite limited time on the pitch.
  • Mehran AHMADI (6/10): Limited appearance but showed some promising moves.
  • Majid ALIYARI (8/10): A towering, clinical finisher. Did not get the playing time his two-goal debut deserved.
  • Ali ALIPOUR (7/10): A hard-working forward who always gives his best, but lacks the elite technical skills for this level.
  • Mehdi HASHEMINEJAD (8/10): An exciting player whose dribbling, runs, and shooting were a breath of fresh air.
  • Ramin REZAEIAN (7/10): Remains a solid player whose flank runs and crossing were valuable. His petulance continues to mar his performances.
  • Amin HEZBAVI (6/10): Rarely used and looked average, prone to errors when called upon.
  • Mehdi TIKDARI (5/10): Another newcomer with limited time. A purely average performance.
  • Alireza KOUSHKI (5/10): Minimal time and minimal impact.
  • Mehdi TAREMI (7/10): Inconsistent and often faded from games. Seemed to lack his usual enthusiasm and will to influence play, mostly due to his concentration and quick trip to Athens..
  • Mohammad KHODABANDEHLO (--/10): Insufficient time due to injury to rate.
  • Mohammadmehdi MOHEBI (7.5/10): A promising player clearly on the rise.
  • AliReza JAHANBAKHSH (6/10): A lack of competitive sharpness was evident. Provided one assist but was otherwise peripheral; his inclusion arguably blocked opportunities for others.

FIFA President Infantino Visits Iran Locker Room, Congratulates Team on World Cup Qualification

(Tashkent, Uzbekistan) – Following Iran's narrow 1-0 defeat to Uzbekistan in the CAFA Nations Cup 2025 final, FIFA President Gianni Infantino made a surprise visit to the Team Melli locker room to personally congratulate the players on their recent qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

According to IRNA, the President's message was one of unwavering support and admiration for Iranian football. He emphasized the significance of their World Cup achievement, stating, "Congratulations on qualifying for the World Cup; it was not an easy task. You have made your country and your families proud, and you have also made Iranians abroad happy."

Infantino expressed his personal fondness for the team, revealing, "I am a big fan of Iranian football. One of your players gave me his shirt in 2019, and I still have it. It is very valuable to me."

He went on to highlight a iconic moment from the team's recent history, recalling, "I still remember the Qatar World Cup. The Iran-Wales match was unbelievable. This is the feeling that football can give us; the whole stadium was happy at that moment."

Addressing the immediate disappointment of the CAFA final loss, the FIFA President offered words of encouragement: "You played very well today, but in football, there are always wins and losses. You are a strong team and should be proud of yourselves."

Looking ahead to the 2026 tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, Infantino provided a definitive assurance: "As the President of FIFA, I say welcome to the World Cup. I guarantee your presence."

Concluding his address, Infantino reflected on the unifying power of the sport: "With the help of football, we want to unite the whole world. Unfortunately, the global situation is complex, but football can create this unity that politics often cannot. For the sake of your parents and your families, continue on this path so that you can bring joy to your people. I look forward to seeing you at the World Cup."

Ten-Man Iran Collapses at the Death, Handing Uzbekistan Historic CAFA Cup Triumph

A catastrophic early red card to Arya Yousefi set the tone for a gritty, defensive battle, but a 107th-minute header shattered Iranian resistance, crowning Uzbekistan champions in a dramatic finale.

(Tashkent, Uzbekistan) – The Iranian national team’s CAFA Nations Cup campaign ended in heartbreak and controversy, as a 107th-minute header from Uzbekistan’s Rustamjon Ashurmatov secured a 1-0 victory, handing Team Melli its first defeat to the Central Asian side in 14 years.

The final was effectively decided in a disastrous opening five minutes. Youngster Arya Yousefi, handed a surprise start, was shown a straight red card after a reckless, high challenge, leaving Iran to play 85 minutes of regulation and 30 minutes of extra time with only ten men.

A Gritty, Rearguard Battle

Despite the numerical disadvantage, Iran’s defense, marshaled by a heroic Payam Niazmand in goal, held firm for most of the match. Niazmand made a series of critical saves, most notably in the 22nd minute, twice denying point-blank efforts to keep the score level.

Forced into an early change, coach Amir Ghalenoei introduced Mehdi Taremi in the 30th minute after an injury to starter Shahriar Moghanloo. The team adopted a deep, defensive block, relying on counterattacks. Their best chance came in the 59th minute when Saman Ghoddos found himself one-on-one with the goalkeeper but chose to shoot himself, with Omid Rezaian unmarked and begging for a pass.

Controversy and Wasted Chances

The match was riddled with controversy, much of it involving the video assistant referee (VAR). Iran was denied a strong penalty claim in the 73rd minute when Mohammad Hossein Kanaani was brought down in the box, a decision overturned after a lengthy review.

Uzbekistan, too, was left to rue missed opportunities. Captain Oston Urunov rattled the post with a powerful drive in the 104th minute, and Eldor Shomurodov skied a penalty in the 107th minute after a foul by Aref Aghasi, seemingly sending the match to a shootout.

Heartbreak at the Death

Just as penalties loomed, Iran’s fatigued defense finally cracked. In the 117th minute, a cross from the right found defender Ashurmatov unmarked between two Iranian players, and he powered a header past Niazmand to spark wild celebrations among the home crowd.

The defeat marks a bitterly disappointing end to a tournament that has raised more questions than it answered for Team Melli. For Uzbekistan, it is a historic triumph, sealed against their most storied regional rival in the most dramatic of circumstances.

Key Moments:

  • 5': ⛔ RED CARD – Arya Yousefi (Iran) sent off for a dangerous foul.
  • 22': 🧤 Huge double save from Payam Niazmand to keep the score level.
  • 59': ❌ Saman Ghoddos wastes a golden counter-attack chance.
  • 73': ❗ Penalty appeal for Iran overturned by VAR after a review.
  • 107': 🎯 Eldor Shomurodov (UZB) misses a penalty.
  • 117': ⚽ GOAL – Rustamjon Ashurmatov scores the dramatic winner for Uzbekistan.

Uzbekistan: Atkir Yusupov, Khojiakbar Alijanov, Delshad Kamilov, Mohammadgader Khameraliyev, Atabek Shukurov, Odil Khamrubkov, Azizbek Turgunboyev, Abbasbek Faizollayev, Khasnoddin Alikulov, Ruslanbek Dzianov and Aldor Shomorudov
Head coach: Timur Kapadze

Iran : Payam Niazam, Mohammad Hossein Kananizadegan, Aref Aghasi, Aria Yousefi, Ali Nemati [106' Abolfazl Jalali ], Mohammad Ghorbani [56' Rouzbeh Cheshmi], Omid Noorafkan, Saman Ghodous (C) [66' Alireza Jahanbakhsh], Mohammad Mohebi, Amir Hossein Hosseinzadeh (16' Ramin Rezaeian) , Shahriar Moghanlou [31' Mehdi Taremi]
Head coach: Amir Ghalenoei

Beyond the Final: A Test of Character for a Struggling Team Melli

As Iran faces Uzbekistan, deep-rooted systemic issues loom larger than the CAFA trophy itself.

While Uzbek coach Timur Kapadze’s pre-match comment that “Iran has weaknesses” is a blunt assessment, for those following Iranian football, it is a painful and long-acknowledged truth.

The upcoming final against Uzbekistan is about more than a regional trophy; it is a profound test of character for a team seemingly at odds with itself. The result, while desirable, is secondary to the urgent need for a coherent identity, tactical intelligence, and a clear path forward.

It is often too easy to place the blame solely on the head coach, and while Amir Ghalenoei is certainly responsible, he is merely the most visible symptom of a deeper malaise within Team Melli. The problems are systemic:

  • Senior Players Underperforming: When veteran leaders and captains are defined more by frustration than by skill and experience, the team's foundation crumbles.
  • Persistent Defensive Flaws: Long-known defensive vulnerabilities remain unaddressed, match after match.
  • A Misfiring Midfield: The heart of the team, the engine room, is consistently underperforming, failing to control games or link play effectively.

Coach Ghalenoei has his qualities, but his shortcomings are currently defining the team’s style. His unwavering loyalty to a core of senior players—a page taken from the Carlos Queiroz era—is backfiring, as these players increasingly lack both form and motivation. Despite being supported by a large contingent of recently retired ex-players as assistants, this staff has yet to prove they can provide the tactical support and fresh ideas the team desperately needs.

The tactical approach has often been naive. Against weaker teams that employ a deep defensive block, Ghalenoei’s side appears short of ideas. His substitutions are frequently ineffective and poorly timed, often resorting to last-minute changes in a desperate hope for a miracle rather than a strategic shift.

On the pitch, the lack of inspiring figures is glaring. While promising talents like Mehdi Hashemnejad, Amirhossein Hosseinzadeh, and Majid Aliyari have shown flashes of brilliance, they remain fringe players in Ghalenoei’s plans, consistently overlooked.

Instead, the team relies on established names regardless of form. The selection of captain Alireza Jahanbakhsh, currently without a club and match sharpness, raises serious questions about selection criteria being based on reputation rather than merit. The CAFA tournament presented a golden opportunity to integrate his successor; that opportunity seems wasted.

Similarly, much is expected of Mehdi Taremi, but his two appearances so far have provided more cause for concern than confidence.

Tonight’s match is a mirror. It will reflect the team’s true state: its fight, its plan, and its desire. Lifting the CAFA trophy would be a welcome moment of joy, but without addressing these fundamental issues, any celebration will be fleeting. For Team Melli, the real opponent is not just Uzbekistan—it is itself.

CAFA Nations Cup Final Preview: Iran's Fierce Attack Meets Uzbekistan's Stubborn Defense

A Clash of Titans in Tashkent as Team Melli and the White Wolves Battle for Regional Supremacy.

(Tashkent, Uzbekistan) – The stage is set for a thrilling finale to the CAFA Nations Cup tonight, as the offensive might of Iran collides with the defensive resilience of Uzbekistan. This highly anticipated match, kicking off at 6:00 PM local time in Tashkent, promises to be a classic tactical battle between two regional powerhouses.

The Iranian national team, Team Melli, roared into the final after a dominant group stage performance, netting a tournament-high 8 goals with decisive victories over Afghanistan and India, followed by a draw with Tajikistan.

Standing in their way is a formidable Uzbek wall. The White Wolves conceded a mere two goals in the group stage, showcasing a defense that proved impenetrable to most. Their path to the final saw them overcome Turkmenistan and Kyrgyzstan, with their only stumble being a draw against Oman.

The historical context adds another layer of intrigue. The last five meetings between these two sides have been incredibly tight, featuring four draws and a single Iranian victory. Notably, two of those matches ended in thrilling 2-2 stalemates, while two others were goalless affairs, underscoring the often evenly-matched nature of this contest.

Current form also suggests a close encounter. Uzbekistan arrives unbeaten in their last five matches (3 wins, 2 draws), while Iran’s record in the same span is slightly more mixed (3 wins, 1 draw, 1 loss).

Both teams will feel the absence of key players. Iran will be without the firepower of star striker Sardar Azmoun, while Uzbekistan misses the creativity of Jalaluddin Masharipov, adding an element of challenge for both coaches.

Ahead of the clash, the managers offered contrasting reflections.

Iran's coach, Amir Ghalenoei, shouldered the blame for a disrupted preparation, stating: “My mistake was to respect the league. We didn’t want to close the league and that was an error. With 18 changes to the squad, we should have trained at least three times. Our whole thinking was to respect the league, but we should have come to CAFA with better planning.”

Conversely, Uzbekistan’s Timur Kapadze projected calm confidence: “We have prepared well. We know Iran well; they are a strong team but they also have weaknesses. We are trying to show our game. Not only Iran, but all the teams in this tournament have faced injuries.”

Everything points to a monumental clash of styles: Iran’s roaring attack versus Uzbekistan’s unyielding defense. Only one can be crowned champion of Central Asia.

Uzbekistan and Iran meet in the final of CAFA Nations Cup 2025

The national football teams of Iran and Uzbekistan will face each other in the final of the CAFA Nations Cup on Monday, September 7, at 6:00 PM local time at the Olympic Stadium in Tashkent. Both Iran and Uzbekistan entered the final with 7 points, finishing as the top teams in their respective groups and setting the stage for a highly anticipated clash.

Iran, the highest-ranked team in the region, will be looking to defend its title after winning the previous edition of the tournament. Uzbekistan, playing with the immense support of a home crowd, will be determined to claim the championship on their own soil and secure a historic victory against a regional powerhouse.

The match has garnered significant international attention, notably with the confirmed attendance of FIFA President Gianni Infantino. The Uzbekistan Football Federation announced that President Infantino will travel to Uzbekistan to review projects related to the further development of football in the country, visit the state-of-the-art National Football Center, and personally watch the final match of the CAFA Nations Cup 2025. His presence as a special guest underscores the growing importance of Central Asian football on the global stage.

This final is not just about regional supremacy but also serves as crucial preparation for both teams ahead of the upcoming joint FIFA World Cup 2026 qualification campaigns, adding an extra layer of significance to the encounter.
Iran defeated Afghanistan 3-1, India 3-0, and drew with Tajikistan 2-2 to reach the final.
Uzbekistan drew with Oman 1-1, defeated Turkmenistan 2-1, and Kyrgyzstan 4-0 to reach the final.

Iran's Title Defense: Ghalenoei Bets on Experience for CAFA Nations Cup 2025


Head coach Amir Ghalenoei has named a seasoned 27-man squad for Iran’s upcoming CAFA Nations Cup 2025 title defense, opting for continuity and experience over a significant generational shift. The tournament will be held in Uzbekistan and Tajikistan from August 29th.

Despite the general perception of the CAFA region's modest competitive level—with Uzbekistan being the clear exception—Ghalenoei has largely stuck with his established core. The squad is a blend of veteran internationals and a select few emerging talents from the Iranian Premier League, signaling a clear intent to retain the trophy won against Uzbekistan in the 2023 final.

The team's preparations are hampered by significant absences. Key stars such as Sardar Azmoun, Mehdi Ghaedi, and Ali Gholizadeh are all sidelined due to injury, while first-choice goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand is out through suspension. These omissions have undoubtedly diluted the squad's overall strength.

Navigating the Group Stage

Team Melli’s campaign begins with a match against Afghanistan, a fixture they will be expected to win comfortably. The following games against India and hosts Tajikistan are anticipated to present progressively tougher challenges. However, the ultimate test is expected to be a potential final rematch against a strong Uzbek side.

Concerns Over Key Figures

The squad list reveals concerns regarding the fitness and form of its leadership. Captain Alireza Jahanbakhsh is currently without a club, having yet to secure a contract for the new European season. With transfer windows beginning to close, his match sharpness remains a major question mark.

Meanwhile, vice-captain and team star Mehdi Taremi finds himself in a difficult situation at Inter Milan. Despite his high-profile move, the striker has been relegated to train with the club’s U23 side and has been excluded from the senior squad as the Italian giants seek a buyer for him.

Alireza Jahanbaksh heading against Hunt of UAE

Squad Composition

The selection highlights the dominance of Iran’s domestic league, with the country's top clubs providing the bulk of the players.

  • Sepahan: 6 players
  • Esteghlal: 5 players
  • Persepolis: 4 players
  • Tractor: 3 players
  • Other Clubs: The remainder of the squad is drawn from other domestic teams and includes three players from UAE's Etihad Kalba.

The Full 27-Player Squad:


GOALKEEPERS:
1- Payam Niazmand - 30 years -(Persepolis),
2- Nima Mirzad - 28 years - (Mes Rafsanjan),
3- Seyed Hossein Hosseini - 33 years- (Sepahan)

Defenders:

4- Mohammad Hossein Kananizadegan - 31 years- (Persepolis),
5-Mohammad Naderi - 28 years - (Tractor),
6- Aref Aghasi - 28 years - (Esteghlal),
7-Ramin Rezaeian -35 years- (Esteghlal),
8- Ali Nemati -29 years- (Foolad),
9- Omid Noorafkan -28 years- (Sepahan),
10- Amin Hezbavi - 22 years- (Sepahan),
11- Aria Yousefi -23 years- (Sepahan),

Midfielders:

12- Mohammad Mohebi - 26 years- (Rostov, Russia),
13- Mehdi Hasheminejad - 24 years- (Tractor)
14- Saman Ghodoos -31 years- (Etihad Kalba UAE),
15- Mehdi Mohebi -25 years- (Etihad Kalba UAE),
16- Mohammad Khodabandelou -25 years- (Presepolis),
17- Rouzbeh Cheshmi -32 years- (Esteghlal),
18- Alireza Koushki -25 years- (Esteghlal),
19- Mohammad Ghorbani -23 years- (Al-Wahda, UAE),
20- Mehdi Tikdari Nejad - 29 years- (Sepahan),
21- Alireza Jahanbakhsh - 32 years- (No Club),

Forwards:

22-Mehdi Taremi -33 years- (Inter Milan, Italy),
23- Mehran Ahmadi - 27 years- (Esteghlal),
24- AmirHossein Hosseinzadeh - 24 years- (Tractor)
25- Ali Alipour -29 years- (Persepolis),
26- Shahriyar Moghanlou - 30 years- (Ittihad Kalba , UAE),
27- Majid Aliyari -29 years- (Sepahan)

Team Melli Begins CAFA Nations Cup 2024 Campaign Against Afghanistan

Dushanbe, Tajikistan – The CAFA Nations Cup 2024 is set to kick off on August 29, with Iran’s Team Melli beginning their title defense against Afghanistan in Dushanbe. Host nation Tajikistan will also start their campaign on the same day, facing Malaysia, the sole East Asian representative in the tournament.

Group Stage Fixtures & Key Matches

  • August 29:
  • Iran vs Afghanistan
  • Tajikistan vs Malaysia
  • September 1:
  • Iran vs Malaysia
  • Afghanistan vs Tajikistan
  • September 4 (Final Group Matches):
  • Tajikistan vs Iran (a potential group decider)
  • Afghanistan vs Malaysia

All matches in Group B will be held at Dushanbe’s Central Republican Stadium, while Group A (featuring Uzbekistan, Kyrgyz Republic, Turkmenistan, and Oman) will take place in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

Tournament Format & Road to the Final

Only the group winners will advance to the final, scheduled for September 8 in Tashkent. The two runners-up will compete for third place in Dushanbe on the same day.

Team Melli’s Dominance & Expectations

As the defending champions of the CAFA Nations Cup, Iran enters the tournament as the favorite. Having won the inaugural edition in 2023, Team Melli will aim to maintain their regional supremacy under coach Amir Ghalenoei. Key players like Mehdi Taremi and Sardar Azmoun are expected to lead the charge.

Meanwhile, Tajikistan, fresh from their impressive 2023 AFC Asian Cup performance, will look to leverage home advantage. Malaysia, invited as a guest team, could be a dark horse, while Afghanistan seeks to make an impact under new management.

Group A Preview: Uzbekistan Favored to Progress

In Tashkent, hosts Uzbekistan are strong contenders, with the Kyrgyz Republic and Oman posing tough challenges. Turkmenistan will aim to spring a surprise in a competitive group. This group is the stronger of the two with a chance of an upset.

CAFA regional has two representatives in the next year FIFA World Cup in Iran and Uzbekistan.

With only one team from each group advancing, every match will be crucial. Football fans across Central Asia can expect an exciting tournament filled with high-stakes clashes.

Team Melli Head Coach Amir Ghalenoei stated:

"Our goal is clear—to defend our title. We respect all opponents, but we are here to win. The players are motivated, and we’ve prepared thoroughly for this challenge."

Tajikistan's Head coach, Petar Šegrt emphasized:

"Playing at home is an advantage, but also a responsibility. We want to make our fans proud and prove we belong among Central Asia’s best."

Afghanistan, under new management, aims to make an impact. Coach Ashley Westwood remarked:

"We’re building something new, and this tournament is a great platform. The players are eager to show their potential."
Malaysia Head Coach, Peter Cklamovski, described the CAFA Nations Cup 2025 as an important step in the Malaysian national squad's journey towards building a more competitive team.
"The Nations Cup is an exciting tournament, and it's an important step in our journey as a national team. We have been waiting for the draw for some time, and we've obviously had plan A and B"

He also described the match against Ira as a great opportunity to assess the true level of the Malaysian National Team.
"They (Iran) are going to the World Cup. It is a massive challenge for us, a massive opportunity for us. We will use it as a way to benchmark ourselves against the best. A test of our football against them, we will take our football to them as hard as we can."
"


CAFA Nations Cup to be held in August to September 2025

The second bi-annual CAFA Nations Cup 2025 will be hosted by Uzbekistan and Tajikistan starting from August 29th until September 8th.

According to the official statement of the CAFA press service, in 2025 football fans will witness another continental tournament – the “CAFA Nations Cup-2025”. Not only Central Asian countries, but also new guest national teams will participate in this prestigious tournament. It has been officially confirmed that the national teams of Uzbekistan, Iran, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, and Turkmenistan, as well as invited teams Malaysia and Oman, will take part.

Such a wide format of the tournament is being held for the first time, making it even more interesting. The participation of invited Malaysia and Oman, who are serious opponents in their regions, will undoubtedly increase the level of competition. There will be special attention paid to how these teams perform on the CAFA field.

The draw ceremony will be held on July 3 in the capital of Tajikistan – Dushanbe. According to the unique format of the tournament, participants will be divided into two groups: all matches of Group “A” will take place in Uzbekistan, and Group “B” matches will be held in Tajikistan. This will give football fans in both countries the opportunity to experience the live tournament atmosphere.

The tournament is set to start on August 29. Exciting matches will continue until September 8, and the continent’s best team will be determined in the final. Through this tournament, the potential and development of Central Asian football will once again be showcased.

Every match in the CAFA Nations Cup-2025 is a new intrigue, new talent, and a new dream of the championship. Fans are ready to witness history. From the very first matches, all eyes will be on these stadiums!