IR Iran
Amir Ghalenoei
IRArdeshir "Amir" Ghalenoei (Persian: ; born 22 November 1963) is an Iranian football coach and former player who currently manages Iran national football team. He has been the most successful coach in the Iran Pro League and managed several clubs, including Esteghlal, Mes Kerman, Sepahan S.C. He was also the head coach of Iran national football team from August 2006 to July 2007 where he managed the team for the 2007 AFC Asian Cup where Iran was eliminated in the quarter-finals. He returned as coach of Iran in 2023 and led them to a semi-final appearance at the 2023 AFC Asian Cup.
- Led Iran to 2026 World Cup qualification
- Multiple Iranian Pro League titles
- AFC Champions League experience
SQUAD
23
GK Iran's goalkeeper famous for his extraordinary long throws. Currently plying his trade at Persepolis, a commanding presence between the posts, Alireza Beiranvand is known for sharp reflexes and assured shot-stopping, serving as the last line of defense for IR Iran. Has earned 55 international caps, making him one of the most experienced goalkeepers in the squad. Set to compete with IR Iran at the 2026 World Cup, building on the team's 6 previous tournament appearances.
GK Esteghlal goalkeeper and Iran's backup keeper. Currently plying his trade at Esteghlal, a commanding presence between the posts, Hossein Hosseini is known for sharp reflexes and assured shot-stopping, serving as the last line of defense for IR Iran. Has earned 15 international caps. Set to compete with IR Iran at the 2026 World Cup, building on the team's 6 previous tournament appearances.
GK Iran's goalkeeper option. Currently plying his trade at Ponferradina, a commanding presence between the posts, Payam Niazmand is known for sharp reflexes and assured shot-stopping, serving as the last line of defense for IR Iran. Has earned 12 international caps. Set to compete with IR Iran at the 2026 World Cup, building on the team's 6 previous tournament appearances.
Dinamo Zagreb right-back and Iran's attacking fullback. Currently plying his trade at Dinamo Zagreb, a dependable defender, Sadegh Moharrami combines positional intelligence with tenacious tackling, forming a key part of IR Iran's backline. Has earned 25 international caps, scoring 1 goal. Set to compete with IR Iran at the 2026 World Cup, building on the team's 6 previous tournament appearances.
DF Iran's captain and the country's all-time most-capped player. Currently plying his trade at Tractor SC, a dependable defender, Ehsan Hajsafi combines positional intelligence with tenacious tackling, forming a key part of IR Iran's backline. Has earned 130 international caps, scoring 7 goals, making him one of the most senior figures in the squad. Born in 1990, the 36-year-old veteran continues to compete at the highest level, bringing invaluable experience and professionalism. Set to compete with IR Iran at the 2026 World Cup, building on the team's 6 previous tournament appearances.
DF AEK Athens left-back and Iran's first-choice left-back. Currently plying his trade at AEK Athens, a dependable defender, Milad Mohammadi combines positional intelligence with tenacious tackling, forming a key part of IR Iran's backline. Has earned 50 international caps, scoring 1 goal, building significant international experience. Set to compete with IR Iran at the 2026 World Cup, building on the team's 6 previous tournament appearances.
DF Experienced Iranian centre-back and a key figure in defence. Currently plying his trade at Persepolis, a dependable defender, Morteza Pouraliganji combines positional intelligence with tenacious tackling, forming a key part of IR Iran's backline. Has earned 60 international caps, scoring 2 goals, building significant international experience. Born in 1992, the 34-year-old veteran continues to compete at the highest level, bringing invaluable experience and professionalism. Set to compete with IR Iran at the 2026 World Cup, building on the team's 6 previous tournament appearances.
Kayserispor centre-back and a defensive option for Iran. Currently plying his trade at Kayserispor, a dependable defender, Majid Hosseini combines positional intelligence with tenacious tackling, forming a key part of IR Iran's backline. Has earned 30 international caps. Set to compete with IR Iran at the 2026 World Cup, building on the team's 6 previous tournament appearances.
DF Iran's veteran centre-back. Currently plying his trade at Persepolis, a dependable defender, Shoja Khalilzadeh combines positional intelligence with tenacious tackling, forming a key part of IR Iran's backline. Has earned 35 international caps, scoring 2 goals. Born in 1989, the 36-year-old veteran continues to compete at the highest level, bringing invaluable experience and professionalism. Set to compete with IR Iran at the 2026 World Cup, building on the team's 6 previous tournament appearances.
DF Iranian left-back. Currently plying his trade at Esteghlal, a dependable defender, Omid Noorafkan combines positional intelligence with tenacious tackling, forming a key part of IR Iran's backline. Has earned 20 international caps. Set to compete with IR Iran at the 2026 World Cup, building on the team's 6 previous tournament appearances.
DF Experienced Iranian right-back. Currently plying his trade at Sepahan, a dependable defender, Ramin Rezaeian combines positional intelligence with tenacious tackling, forming a key part of IR Iran's backline. Has earned 50 international caps, scoring 4 goals, building significant international experience. Born in 1990, the 36-year-old veteran continues to compete at the highest level, bringing invaluable experience and professionalism. Set to compete with IR Iran at the 2026 World Cup, building on the team's 6 previous tournament appearances.
Vejle midfielder and Iran's key defensive midfielder. Currently plying his trade at Vejle, an industrious midfielder, Saeid Ezatolahi excels at dictating tempo and linking defense to attack, acting as the creative engine for IR Iran. Has earned 55 international caps, scoring 2 goals, building significant international experience. Set to compete with IR Iran at the 2026 World Cup, building on the team's 6 previous tournament appearances.
Brentford midfielder/forward and a two-way player for Iran. Currently plying his trade at Brentford, an industrious midfielder, Saman Ghoddos excels at dictating tempo and linking defense to attack, acting as the creative engine for IR Iran. Has earned 55 international caps, scoring 6 goals, building significant international experience. Set to compete with IR Iran at the 2026 World Cup, building on the team's 6 previous tournament appearances.
MF Kayserispor midfielder and an option in Iran's midfield. Currently plying his trade at Kayserispor, an industrious midfielder, Ali Karimi excels at dictating tempo and linking defense to attack, acting as the creative engine for IR Iran. Has earned 25 international caps, scoring 2 goals. Set to compete with IR Iran at the 2026 World Cup, building on the team's 6 previous tournament appearances.
MF Veteran Iranian midfielder and experienced international. Currently plying his trade at Persepolis, an industrious midfielder, Vahid Amiri excels at dictating tempo and linking defense to attack, acting as the creative engine for IR Iran. Has earned 65 international caps, scoring 5 goals, building significant international experience. Born in 1988, the 38-year-old veteran continues to compete at the highest level, bringing invaluable experience and professionalism. Set to compete with IR Iran at the 2026 World Cup, building on the team's 6 previous tournament appearances.
MF Persepolis midfielder and one of the best players in Iran's domestic league. Currently plying his trade at Persepolis, an industrious midfielder, Mehdi Torabi excels at dictating tempo and linking defense to attack, acting as the creative engine for IR Iran. Has earned 20 international caps, scoring 3 goals. Set to compete with IR Iran at the 2026 World Cup, building on the team's 6 previous tournament appearances.
MF Shabab Al-Ahli midfielder and a veteran of Iran's midfield. Currently plying his trade at Shabab Al-Ahli, an industrious midfielder, Ahmad Nourollahi excels at dictating tempo and linking defense to attack, acting as the creative engine for IR Iran. Has earned 55 international caps, scoring 5 goals, building significant international experience. Set to compete with IR Iran at the 2026 World Cup, building on the team's 6 previous tournament appearances.
FW Feyenoord winger and a former Eredivisie Golden Boot winner. Currently plying his trade at Feyenoord, a clinical forward, Alireza Jahanbakhsh possesses sharp finishing instincts and intelligent movement, serving as IR Iran's primary attacking threat. Has earned 75 international caps, scoring 12 goals. Set to compete with IR Iran at the 2026 World Cup, building on the team's 6 previous tournament appearances.
FW Inter Milan forward and one of Iran's all-time top scorers. Currently plying his trade at Inter Milan, a clinical forward, Mehdi Taremi possesses sharp finishing instincts and intelligent movement, serving as IR Iran's primary attacking threat. Has earned 75 international caps, scoring 40 goals — a remarkable scoring rate. Set to compete with IR Iran at the 2026 World Cup, building on the team's 6 previous tournament appearances.
FW Veteran Iranian striker and one of the top scorers in national team history. Currently plying his trade at Omonia Nicosia, a clinical forward, Karim Ansarifard possesses sharp finishing instincts and intelligent movement, serving as IR Iran's primary attacking threat. Has earned 95 international caps, scoring 30 goals, demonstrating consistent attacking output. Born in 1990, the 36-year-old veteran continues to compete at the highest level, bringing invaluable experience and professionalism. Set to compete with IR Iran at the 2026 World Cup, building on the team's 6 previous tournament appearances.
FW Charleroi winger and a creative force in Iran's attack. Currently plying his trade at Charleroi, a clinical forward, Ali Gholizadeh possesses sharp finishing instincts and intelligent movement, serving as IR Iran's primary attacking threat. Has earned 30 international caps, scoring 5 goals. Set to compete with IR Iran at the 2026 World Cup, building on the team's 6 previous tournament appearances.
Udinese forward and Iran's European-based striker. Currently plying his trade at Heidenheim, a clinical forward, Shahab Zahedi possesses sharp finishing instincts and intelligent movement, serving as IR Iran's primary attacking threat. Has earned 20 international caps, scoring 6 goals. Set to compete with IR Iran at the 2026 World Cup, building on the team's 6 previous tournament appearances.
An iconic figure in Iranian football, nicknamed the "Iranian Messi". Currently plying his trade at Shabab Al-Ahli, a clinical forward, Sardar Azmoun possesses sharp finishing instincts and intelligent movement, serving as IR Iran's primary attacking threat. Has earned 75 international caps, scoring 45 goals — a remarkable scoring rate. Set to compete with IR Iran at the 2026 World Cup, building on the team's 6 previous tournament appearances.