Tag: Vahid Shamsaei

Group D top spot matters for Afghanistan and Iran

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It will be a battle for the purists when Afghanistan takes on Iran in the AFC Futsal Asian Cup Indonesia 2026™ Group D decider on Sunday.

Both have been flawless thus far, qualifying for the quarter-finals with a match to spare but something will have to give in Sunday’s highly anticipated encounter.

#ACFutsal2026 | Group D: Malaysia 0-7 Afghanistan

“It was unbelievable for us to achieve a big 7-0 victory,” said Mortezaei. “The fans made the atmosphere for us like we were playing at home.

“We are happy to reach the next stage and this is what we deserved. Playing against Iran is always difficult but we will try to maintain our high level.”

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“We drew with them in the last game (2-2 in the 2025 Islamic Solidarity Games) but here, we want to finish first in the group and, hopefully, to be able to keep a clean sheet going as well.”

Iran’s place in the knockout stage was sealed after they overcame a stubborn Saudi Arabia 2-0 on Friday with second half strikes from Amirhossein Gholami and Bagher Mohammadi.

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The 13-time champions have an impeccable record of winning every group stage match since the format was introduced in the 2007 edition and head coach Vahid Shamsaee intends to add one more to the collection.

“We are happy to win and are already thinking about the next game,” said Shamsaee. “On the performance, there’s still a lot of things we can do better and we will try to achieve that in the next game.”

IR Iran v Afghanistan 
Venue: Jakarta International Velodrome (Jakarta)
Kick-off: Sunday, 19:00 (UTC+7)

Saudi Arabia and Malaysia are hopeful of a positive end to their time in Jakarta after suffering disappointments with defeats in their first two matches.

#ACFutsal2026 | Group D: Saudi Arabia 0-2 IR Iran

Saudi Arabia produced a spirited display against Iran but ultimately suffered a 2-0 defeat but head coach Andreu Plaza saw enough to suggest that his players can take plenty of heart from that performance into their final fixture.

“When we looked at what we wanted to do in this game, we knew we had to be strong and to be able to press because we only had one opportunity against a very strong and technical team like Iran,” said Plaza.

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“The tactics were good but we needed some luck with our finishing and that’s been our problem throughout, not only in this match but I’m happy with the performance.

“We want to go back with a win of course, we will try but Malaysia won’t be easy.”

Malaysia head coach Addie Azwan did not hide his disappointment after seeing his charges completely lose control against Afghanistan, where they conceded three goals in the space of four minutes.

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“The first eight minutes were quite good, we showed good discipline but once we conceded the first goal, the players lost focus and we couldn’t cope with their counter attacks,” said Addie.

“We had to push in the second half but it didn’t work. The last game (against Saudi Arabia) is still an important one for us and we will need to find the focus for that.”

Saudi Arabia v Malaysia
Venue: Indonesia Arena (Jakarta)
Kick-off: Sunday, 19:00 (UTC+7)

Aghapour vows to repay coach’s faith in him

Jakarta: Salar Aghapour is grateful for the trust placed in him by head coach Vahid Shamsaee after the 26-year-old played a starring role in Iran’s 4-1 win over Malaysia in their AFC Futsal Asian Cup Indonesia 2026™ Group D opener on Wednesday.
The Iran squad is a mix of senior and junior players, with Shamsaae having admitted prior to the tournament that he’s looking to refresh the squad with Aghapour one of those in the latter camp.

Still only 26, Aghapour is living his dream of playing for the national team and more importantly, getting to work with one of game’s most notable names.

“We are a family, we are all working together and playing for each other,” said Aghapour. “That comes from the coaching staff, Vahid Shamsaee is one of the best as the head coach.
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“When he gives me a chance to play, I’m trying to do my best, playing with others and others with me. When you see me play more, it’s not about me but about the trust that my coaches and teammates have in me.

“Shamsaee is one of the real legends of the game – not only in Iran but also the world – and I will do my best to learn everything I can from him.”
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Iran will next take on Saudi Arabia on Friday with Aghapour stressing the defending champions can only get better once they have adapted to the surface and conditions at Jakarta International Velodrome.

“We could have shown better quality but this is our first game in a new stadium and I believe that game by game, we will get better as we get used to the floor. We will be able to show way better quality.”

Team Melli to leave for AFC Futsal Asian Cup

Iran’s National Futsal team will depart Tehran to Jakarta on Friday, to participate in the 18th edition of Asian Premier Futsal Competition. The defending champions are coached by Vahid Shamsaei.

Thrilling battles await at the AFC Futsal Asian Cup Indonesia 2026™ when it kicks off on January 27 (Tuesday) in Jakarta as 16 teams chase ultimate glory.

The 18th edition of the tournament features a host of familiar contenders, with 13 returning from the previous campaign in 2024, including the ever-present quartet of Islamic Republic of Iran, Japan, Thailand and Uzbekistan, who extend their record of appearing in every Finals to date.

Hosting the hard-court showpiece for the second time after 2002, Indonesia will stage the matches across two venues, with the champions to be crowned on February 7.

The first matchday opens at the Jakarta International Velodrome with a 1pm clash between Thailand (FIFA Rank: 11) and Lebanon (54) in Group B. Having thrice finished as runners-up, including in 2024, the Thais will hope to make the final breakthrough this time, while their opponents—seven-time quarter-finalists—are back for a 13th occasion, following their last appearance in 2022. At 5pm, 2016 fourth-place finishers Vietnam (20) start their eighth Finals quest against Kuwait (40), whose best placings are also fourth (2003, 2014) and are marking their 14th Finals showing.

Over at the Indonesia Arena at 3pm, Group A gets underway with Iraq (37), who placed fourth in 2018, commencing their 14th involvement against a Kyrgyz Republic (43) outfit that finished fourth twice (2006, 2007) and are contesting a 17th Finals. Indonesia (24), who registered their best finish in 2022—their most recent showing—by reaching the last eight, can expect a boisterous backing at 7pm in their 11th appearance as they face Korea Republic (57), involved for a 16th occasion and looking to better their runners-up finish from 1999.

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Having enjoyed a memorable debut in 2024 by reaching the Quarter-finals to qualify for the FIFA Futsal World Cup Uzbekistan 2024, Afghanistan (28) will be hungry for more as they gear up to face Saudi Arabia (45)—notching their fourth Finals appearance—in Group D on January 28 at 1pm at the Jakarta International Velodrome. Reigning champions IR Iran (5), the only team to have never finished outside the top three, will commence their hunt for a record-extending 14th crown at 5pm against Malaysia (70), who will feature at a 13th Finals and first since 2018.

Japan (13) go in search of a fifth title after falling well short in 2024 when they suffered their first-ever Group Stage exit and start with a Group C opener at 3pm at the Indonesia Arena against Australia (51), who are appearing at their ninth Finals and count fourth place in 2012 as their best result. A maiden success will be on the minds of four-time finalists Uzbekistan (22) ahead of their 7pm showdown against Tajikistan (47), who registered a best-ever fourth-place finish in 2024—an achievement they will aim to surpass at their 13th Finals.

Group D

Wednesday, January 28, 2026 GROUP STAGE – GROUP D

AFGHANISTAN – SAUDI ARABIA

IRAN – MALAYSIA

Friday, January 30, 2026 GROUP STAGE – GROUP D

SAUDI ARABIA – IRAN

MALAYSIA – AFGHANISTAN

Sunday, February 1, 2026 – GROUP STAGE – GROUP D

SAUDI ARABIA – MALAYSIA

IRAN – AFGHANISTAN

Iran’s Futsal Team Crowned Champions at Islamic Solidarity Games 2025

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – Iran’s national futsal team has been crowned champion of the Islamic Solidarity Games 2025, securing the gold medal with a commanding 5-0 victory over African champions Morocco in the final held at Riyadh’s Ola Arena on Tuesday evening.

Dominant Final Performance

Team Melli delivered a masterclass performance against the Moroccan side, controlling the match from start to finish. The scoring opened early with Amir Hossein Gholami finding the net, setting the tone for Iran’s offensive dominance.

Mehdi Karimi doubled Iran’s advantage with a powerful, ferocious shot that left the Moroccan goalkeeper with no chance. Captain Hossein Tayebi then extended the lead to 3-0, completing a first-half onslaught that left the African champions reeling.

Defensive Heroics and Strategic Brilliance

Facing a significant deficit, Morocco implemented an aggressive power play strategy that lasted over ten minutes toward the end of the first half. However, Iranian goalkeeper Bagher Mohammadi delivered a heroic performance between the posts, supported by exceptional team defending that consistently denied Moroccan scoring opportunities.

The first half concluded with Iran maintaining their commanding 3-0 advantage.

Second Half Mastery

The match tempo moderated in the initial minutes of the second period, though Iran missed two clear opportunities to further extend their lead.

As anticipated, Morocco reinstated their power play strategy with renewed intensity and vehement attacking pressure. Once again, the Iranian defensive unit rose to the challenge, with Mohammadi continuing his exceptional form by expertly handling every ball that reached his area.

Demonstrating tactical intelligence, Iran capitalized on Morocco’s offensive gambles by scoring twice into the unprotected goal during the power play. Captain Hossein Tayebi netted his second of the match, while Amir Hossein Gholami bookended the scoring with his second goal—Iran’s fifth—sealing a comprehensive victory in spectacular fashion.

Tournament Journey to Gold

Under the guidance of coach Vahid Shamsaei, Iran’s path to the championship demonstrated remarkable resilience and growth throughout the competition.

The campaign began with a hard-fought 2-2 draw against the same Moroccan team in the group stages. Iran then faced another challenging match against a determined Afghan side, resulting in another 2-2 draw that tested the team’s character.

The turning point came in their third group match, where Iran delivered an impressive 4-1 victory over Tajikistan. This momentum carried into the semifinals, where they secured a 4-2 win against Uzbekistan to earn their place in the final.

Morocco reached the championship match by defeating host nation Saudi Arabia in a tightly contested extra-time battle.

Championship Legacy

This gold medal achievement adds another prestigious chapter to Iran’s rich futsal history, reaffirming their status as a global powerhouse in the sport. The comprehensive victory over continental champions Morocco showcases the technical quality, tactical discipline, and mental fortitude that has become synonymous with Iranian futsal.

The Islamic Solidarity Games title represents a significant accomplishment for Coach Shamsaei and his squad as they continue to build toward future international competitions, carrying the pride of Iranian football forward on the world stage.

Futsal Team called for Thailand Tournament

Iran, Kuwait and Russia have been confirmed as the opponents for the Thailand Futsal national team ahead of next month’s SAT Futsal Championship 2025.

Towards that, Thailand Futsal head coach Miguel Rodrigo has named a training squad of 22 players for the tournament slated for 9-12 April 2025 at the Terminal Hall, Terminal 21 Shopping Mall in Nakhon Ratchasima.

Thailand will take on Kuwait on 9 April 2025, Russia a day later and then Iran on 12 April 2025.

Iran squad has been announced today as follows:
Hossein Tayyibi – Moslim Oladghobad – Salar Aghapour – Mohammad Hossein Derakhshani – Mehdi Karimi – Masoud Yousef – Amir Hossein Davoudi – Behrouz Azimi – Mehdi Rostamiha – Hossein Sabzi – Mojtaba Parsapour – Amir Hossein Dehghani – Mohammad Hossein Baziar – Saeed Momeni – Amir Hossein Gholami – Sajjad Yousefkhah – Ali Akrami – Saeed Mombini – Abolfazl Afzali – Behzad Rasouli .

According to the announced program, the invited players are required to be available for the national team staff at the National Futsal Center.
Iran will face Russia on 9th April and will play Kuwait on April 10th, and the host Thailand on April 11. The camp will be held while Mahmoud Khorzachi, Mohammad Taheri and Kazem Sadeghi will replace Shahabuddin Sefalmanesh, Siamak Dadashi and Asghar Ghahramani in the national team’s coaching staff.

on the other hand, a new addition to Futsal Team Melli has been announced. Media reports suggest that 52-year-old coach Spanish coach David Ramos Barragán is expected to travel to Iran to finalize his contract with the federation. Barragan will be the assistant to Shamsaei.

In 2019, Ramos, while with Vina Albali Valdepeñas in Spain’s top futsal league, established himself as one of Europe’s prominent futsal coaches.

His collaboration with Vahid Shamsaei could enhance Iran’s national futsal team in both technical and tactical dimensions, marking a pivotal moment in the team’s preparation for upcoming competitions.

Additionally, Ramos has previously worked with Iranian futsal star Saeid Ahmad Abbasi for two years at Vina Albali.

Ahmad Abbasi treble helps see Iran through.

A hat-trick by Saeid Ahmad Abbasi helped Iran see off a stubborn Guatemala side and cruise into the last 16 of the FIFA Futsal World Cup Uzbekistan 2024™.

Guatemala stunned Iran in the first half with a quick counterattack goal to lead 1-0 in the Group F match. However, Ahmad Abbasi’s response was immediate and stunning, leveling the score shortly after.

Head Coach Shasaei employed an interesting game plan, constantly rotating players and taking off four at a time. This strategy seemed to test different player compositions for effectiveness. However, it also left Iran vulnerable, with the CONCACAF team exploiting these rotations. Iran’s goalkeeper had an off day, struggling with poor timing and situational awareness, which allowed Guatemala to capitalize on several occasions.

Despite these challenges, Salar Aghapour (11) and Hossein Tayyebi (14) managed to add to Iran’s tally. However, the resilient Guatemalan team fought back, scoring two more goals to end the first half at 3-3.

In the second half, Iran switched on the style to secure their place in the last 16. Guatemala, with Patrick Ruiz and Marvin Sandoval performing superbly, went into half-time level but had no answer for Team Melli’s onslaught in the second half, particularly from Saeid Ahmad Abbasi.

Salar Aghapour (21), Behrooz Azimi (25), Saeid Ahmad Abbasi (27), Mahdi Karimi (32), Hossein Tayyebi (37), and Saeid Ahmad Abbasi (40) all scored for Iran, leading to a resounding 9-4 victory in Bukhara.

Iran will remain in Bukhara to face France, who won 7-3 against Venezuela, in one of the most anticipated games of the group stage. Meanwhile, Guatemala will head to Tashkent for a must-win meeting with Venezuela.

Futsal Team Melli powers to 13th title

SUN, 28 APRIL, 2024

Bangkok: I Iran waltzed their way to a record-extending 13th title with a 4-1 win over Thailand in the AFC Futsal Asian Cup™ Thailand 2024 final on Sunday. 

Iran seized control from the start at the Bangkok Arena to deny Thailand a maiden title as the Central Asian side made up for losing to Japan in the decider of the 2022 edition.

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Iran head coach Vahid Shamsaei was glad his side had redeemed themselves from losing the 2022 final.

“I remember the day I lost the 2022 final against Japan. I had to apologize to everyone, especially to the Iranian fans. Today, I’m happy that they stayed patient with me and I want to dedicate this trophy to everyone back home, especially my late father, who did not see me win the trophy as a head coach,” said Shamsaei.

Thailand head coach Miguel Rodrigo felt his side could have done better.

“I’m very sad for the Thailand fans, they truly deserve another game. We played with our hearts and I will never forget this day, that we played in the final at Bangkok Arena. I’m very disappointed but at the same time, we lost to a superior team,” said Rodrigo.

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Iran got off to a fine start, taking the lead in the first minute off a set-piece situation when Salar Aghapour teed-up Mahdi Karimi, who finished into the bottom corner of the net from the top of the arc.

Thailand, despite being urged on by the partisan crowd, struggled to break through, with Krit Aransanyalak finding his advances on the right flank consistently halted by Iran’s solid defending.

Thailand keeper Arut Senbat was kept on his toes, having to block Karimi’s forced drive from the left flank, before seeing Alireza Rafiei Pour pull his effort wide from inside the box.

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The hosts had their first look on goal in the fourth minute when Alongkorn Janphon lost his marker at the centre before playing the ball square to the advancing Therdsak Charoenphong, who fired his effort over the bar.

A lapse in concentration saw Thailand concede again in the fifth minute when Mohammadreza Sangsefidi played the ball on for the overlapping Moslem Oladghobad on the right flank, who supplied a pinpoint cross for Saeid Ahmad Abbasi to score his eighth goal of the tournament. 

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Thailand refused to concede defeat, with Suphawut Thueanklang seeing his set-piece effort saved by Iran keeper Bagher Mohammadi, who then did well to force Panut Kittipanuwong’s shot wide in a one on one situation.

The onus was on Thailand to find their way back and they did so in spectacular fashion in the 25th minute when Jirawat Sornwichian exchanged passes with Muhammad Osamanmusa before darting through centre and chipping the ball over Mohammadi.

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A relentless Iran responded two minutes later off a set-piece situation when Sangsefidi lofted the perfect cross to an unmarked Ali Asghar Hassanzadeh to volley home to regain their two-goal advantage.

Thailand, desperate to reduce the deficit in the second half, opted for the power play, but the move proved costly in the 34th minute as Mohammadi gained possession in his area before lofting the ball over to score Iran’s fourth to confirm his nation’s 13th AFC Futsal Asian Cup title. 

.Futsal Team Melli to the final match

Bangkok: Goalkeeper Bagher Mohammadi was the star a Iran defeated Uzbekistan 5-4 on penalties after their AFC Futsal Asian Cup Thailand™ 2024 semi-final ended 3-3 after extra-time on Friday.

Mohammadi saved two spot-kicks as Iran advanced to Sunday’s final against hosts Thailand, with the Central Asian side seeking a record-extending 13th AFC Futsal Asian Cup title. 

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Iran earned a free-kick in a dangerous position just seconds into the tie but Uzbekistan were quick to snuff out the attempt, with Ikhtiyor Ropiev playing the ball on for the overlapping Khusniddin Nishonov, who dragged his effort just inches off the right post.

It was a tense opening minutes with neither side giving an inch of space with Iran’s Salar Aghapour seeing his effort from a distance saved by Uzbekistan keeper Abbos Elmurodov, while at the other end Aghapour needed to step in to foil Ilkhomjon Khamroev’s challenge.

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Iran, however, struck in the third minute when Aghapour weaved his way down the left flank before unleashing his shot which took a deflection off Uzbekistan’s Mashrab Adilov before settling in the back of the net.

Uzbekistan, however, fought back and drew level in the ninth minute with Sunatulla Juraev’s free-kick from distance beating a diving Bagher Mohammadi.

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It was end to end action with Iran keeping Elmurodov busy with an array of shots from Saeid Ahmad Abbasi, while Mohammadi was also tested when he had to keep out Khamroev’s effort.

It was Uzbekistan who scored next, Abror Akhmetzyanov initially deflecting Mohammadhossein Derakhshani’s pass, with Khamroev then laying the ball for Nishonov to set up Akhmetzyanov for a simple tap-in.

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Iran turned up the tempo in the second half and drew level in the 24th minute when the unfortunate Akhmetzyanov turned in Moslem Oladghobad’s free-kick from the left flank.

Uzbekistan suffered another blow in the 27th minute when Adilov received his marching orders after picking up his second yellow card leaving the door open for Iran, who retook the lead two minutes later.

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Aghapour sent a delightful cross to an unmarked Behrooz Azimihematabadi, who had the simplest of touches to put the ball into the back of the net from close range leaving Elmurodov stunned.

Iran, however, suffered a lapse in concentration in the 35th minute when Juraev dispossessed Mahdi Karimi on the right flank before supplying the cross for Akhmetzyanov to slot home the equaliser in an unattended goal.

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Abbasi came close to scoring in the closing stages of the first period when his angled overhead kick sailed above the bar, while Ropiev forced a fine fingertip save from Mohammadi with the Iranian custodian saved Nishonov’s effort from distance.

Mohammadi then saved the first and sixth Uzbekistan spot-kicks as Iran moved within a match of yet another AFC Futsal Asian Cup title. 

Iran Uzbekistan- Futsal Semi-Final

Preview - Semi-final: Uzbekistan v IR Iran

Bangkok: Uzbekistan will encounter their toughest challenge yet when they go head-to-head with Iran in the semi-finals of the AFC Futsal Asian Cup Thailand™ 2024 at the Bangkok Arena on Friday.

Both sides are in great form, having won their previous four matches en route to the semi-finals with Uzbekistan showing nerves of steel to defeat Vietnam in the quarter-finals on Wednesday, thanks to Sunatulla Juraev’s last-gasp goal. 

Head coach Jose Venancio Lopez knows it will be even tougher against 12-time champions Iran. 

“Facing Iran is a different proposition altogether. They are undeniably one of the best teams in the world and are rightfully considered favorites,” said Lopez.

#ACFutsal2024 | Quarter-final : Uzbekistan 2 - 1 Vietnam

“It’s difficult to figure out how to beat Iran. We’re aware of their high-quality play. However, in one game, anything is possible, and we’ll strive to do everything within our power to achieve our target.”

Iran, on the other hand, have been cruising through the tournament and booked their semi-final spot with a 6-1 win over Kyrgyz Republic but head coach Vahid Shamsaee wants his team to remain focused.  

“We know it’s going to be a tough match, both physically and tactically, and we’re determined to show the best performance we can,” said Shamsaee.

#ACFutsal2024 | Quarter-final : IR Iran 6 - 1 Kyrgyz Republic

“The past is the past. We had friendly games with Uzbekistan before this tournament, but there’s a significant difference between the Uzbek team and my team. Each team possesses unique conditions and physical attributes. Right now, our focus is solely on the next game, and we aim to maintain our concentration.

“With each game, we’re improving. We had two targets, and yesterday, we achieved one by qualifying for the FIFA Futsal World Cup Uzbekistan 2024. After our quarter-final game, all my players understood their roles. They know what they need to do tomorrow: to fight until the end without stress and with the hope of delivering a good performance.”

Uzbekistan  v Iran  
Venue: Bangkok Arena (Bangkok)
Kick-off: 17:00 (UTC+3) – Iran Time: 17:30 (UTC+3:30)  

Futsal Team Melli turn on the power

Iran booked their place in the semi-finals of the AFC Futsal Asian Cup Thailand™ 2024 after defeating the Kyrgyz Republic 6-1 in their last-eight tie at the Bangkok Arena on Wednesday.

The win meant the 12-time champions also punched their ticket to the FIFA Futsal World Cup Uzbekistan 2024, with a meeting against Uzbekistan or Vietnam in Friday’s semi-finals.

Kyrgyz Republic, meanwhile, will need to wait for the outcome of the day’s last quarter-final between Uzbekistan and Vietnam to learn whether their campaign has concluded, or they will return to action in Friday’s playoffs.

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Iran head coach Vahid Shamsaei said his players found the opening minutes difficult as they were not used to the court conditions.

“We had to acclimatize to the conditions of the court surface as we did not play in this arena in the group stage. However, the players knew what they had to do and we had the perfect second half,” said Shamsaei.

“I’m proud of my players as we also qualified for the FIFA Futsal World Cup in Uzbekistan later this year. Even though Japan are not here in this competition, the quality of the other teams has improved.”

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Kyrgyz Republic head coach Luis Molina was proud of his players despite the heavy defeat.

“I think we played a very good first half but unfortunately for us, we had two players absent due to suspension. We were fighting for 20 minutes with Iran and this was not an easy level. As we approached the end of second half, the players were fatigued,” said Molina.

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Kyrgyz Republic, who lost all their three previous encounters against Iran, had the first look at goal in the opening minute when keeper Bekbolot Akmataliev sent a long ball for Daniiar Talaibekov, who couldn’t get his header on target.

Akmataliev’s reflexes were put to the test moments later when he thwarted Salar Aghapour’s grounded effort and then kept out Behrooz Azimihematabadi twice before the Iran No 14 was denied by the bar followed by a block on Ali Khalilvand’s effort from distance.

Iran continued pressing and broke the deadlock in the seventh minute when Azimi found space down the centre to strike the ball into the top right corner of the net.

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Kyrgyz Republic responded immediately, equalizing a minute later when Akmataliev squared the ball to Amanbaev Donierbek, who beat his marker on the turn before slotting home a grounded effort, leaving Iran keeper Bagher Mohammadi stunned.


Iran restored their lead two minutes later when they were awarded a free-kick with Aghapour curling his effort over the wall and into the top right corner.

Kyrgyz Republic fell further behind three minutes after the restart when they were caught on the counter-attack when Ali Asghar Hassanzadeh played on the ball for Saeid Abbasi to strike home from just above the arc past a diving Akmataliev.

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Despite Kyrgyz Republic’s best efforts, Iran scored their fourth in the 25th minute after Abbasi gained possession before squaring it to Hassanzadeh to tee up Mahdi Karimi to slot the ball through the legs of Akmataliev.

Karimi doubled his tally in the 35th minute after collecting the ball off Aghapour’s cutback from the left flank to slot home on the turn from the top of the box before Hassanzadeh made it 6-1 from the penalty spot.