🇮🇷 IR Iran

Ghalenoei typically deploys a 4-3-3 that compresses into a 4-5-1 defensive block without the ball. Saeid Ezatolahi anchors the midfield, breaking up play and recycling possession, while Jahanbakhsh and Ghoddos operate as the wider attacking outlets. Iran look to win the ball high or absorb pressure and transition quickly, with Taremi as the focal point of counter-attacks. Ramin Rezaeian and Ehsan Hajsafi provide width from full-back positions.

Watch Mehdi Taremi first — the Olympiacos striker is Iran's most complete forward, a player who combines aerial dominance with intelligent link-up play and a knack for big-game goals. Alireza Jahanbakhsh brings directness and creativity from wide areas, his time in the Eredivisie having sharpened his one-on-one ability. Saman Ghoddos, now at Kalba, offers technical composure in tight spaces and the ability to pick passes between the lines.

Taremi's quality as a target man and finisher gives Iran a genuine world-class focal point that few Asian sides can match. The team's defensive organisation under Ghalenoei is disciplined, and Ezatolahi's physical presence in midfield makes Iran difficult to play through centrally.

The squad is heavily reliant on domestic Iranian league players, with limited exposure to top European competition beyond Taremi. Creative depth is thin — if Jahanbakhsh or Ghoddos are unavailable or ineffective, Iran lack a genuine plan B for breaking down organised defences.