Coach Amir Ghalenoei has called up 25 players for the Al Ain International Cup, forming the Iran team for the tournament. The event will take place at Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium in Al Ain from November 13 to 18. Moreover, it coincides with the official FIFA international window, allowing teams to field their strongest lineups.
The Iran team combines domestic stars with internationally experienced players, providing a balanced mix of talent. Goalkeepers Alireza Beiranvand (Tractor), Payam Niazmand (Persepolis), Mohammareza Akhbari (Sepahan), and Hossein Hosseini (Sepahan) will provide stability at the back. Their consistency in both domestic leagues and international matches strengthens the squad’s defensive foundation.
In defense, Mohammadamin Hazbavi, Ali Nemati, Aria Yousefi, Saleh Hardani, Danial Esmaeilifar, Majid Hosseini, Shoja Khalilzadeh, Milad Mohammadi, and Hossein Kananizadegan bring a mix of tactical discipline and physical presence.
Meanwhile, the midfield includes Saeid Ezatolahi, Mohammad Ghorbani, Saman Ghoddos, Mehdi Tikdari, Mohammad Mohebbi, Mehdi Hashemnejad, Omid Noorafkan, and Alireza Kushki. Their creativity and versatility will help the Iran team control matches and link defense with attack.
The forward line features Amirhossein Hosseinzadeh, Mehdi Taremi, Ali Alipour, Mohammad Omri, and Hadi Habibinejad. In addition, Coach Ghalenoei emphasizes combining experienced strikers with young talent to maximize goal-scoring opportunities. These forwards are expected to lead attacks with speed and precision.
Iran team will face Cape Verde in the opening match on November 13. Winners will play the victor of the Uzbekistan–Egypt match in the final, while losing teams will compete for third place. Analysts suggest that these games will test the team’s tactical flexibility, cohesion, and mental resilience.
Officials highlight that the Al Ain International Cup gives the Iran team a valuable opportunity to gain experience against World Cup-level opponents. Consequently, players can improve cohesion, tactical awareness, and international exposure. Furthermore, this tournament may influence selections for future competitions, including the 2026 World Cup and Asian qualifiers.
Fans are eager to see disciplined, skillful performances, while players aim to showcase teamwork and technical ability. Overall, the Iran team’s performance at Al Ain could strengthen its international reputation and shape its long-term strategy.