Iran announce 27-member squad for CAFA Nations Cup 2025

The defending champions will play their first match on August 29.

The stage is set for the CAFA Nations Cup 2025. Teams have landed in Tajikistan and Uzbekistan to claim the 8-nation tournament. The defending champions, IR Iran, have also arrived with a formidable 27-member squad.

Team Melli have some strong star power with players like Mahedi Taremi, who plays for Italian champions Inter Milan, gracing the roster. The mission for the Asian giants is clear – defend the CAFA Nations Cup title. They will begin their campaign on August 29 against Afghanistan.

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Iran determined to assert dominance

The inaugural edition of the CAFA Nations Cup, in 2023, was won by Iran in a convincing fashion and with an unblemished record. This edition, they will look to repeat the same heroics, and they have players who can carry the team to ultimate glory.

Coach Amir Ghalenoei has picked an experienced team. He is also eyeing the preparations for the FIFA World Cup next year. For Iran, each competitive fixture matters a lot as they aim to bolster their combinations ahead of the global tournament.

Between the sticks will be Payam Niazmand, Ahmad Gohari and Nima Mirzazad. The absence of Alireza Beiranvand is surprising as he is a regular starter for Iran. But Beiranvand’s absence will be an opportunity for someone like Payam Niazmand to show his potential.

Iran’s defensive unit is solid. The likes of Aref Aghasi are key figures in the central defense for Team Melli. Alongside him will be Hossein Kananizadegan, Ali Nemati, and Ramin Rezaeian, among others.

The midfield will be led by players like Rouzbeh Cheshmi, who have a wealth of experience playing for Iran in international football. Saman Ghoddos has also played in the defensive midfield and generally partners Cheshmi. Players like Mohammadmehdi Mohebbi and Mehran Ahmadi have been picked to create chances in advanced positions in the midfield.

Iran are missing Sardar Azmoun in the attack. Azmoun is out due to a calf injury. His unavailability will definitely have an impact, but they are still a lethal attacking unit with names like Mahedi Taremi. Amihossein Hosseinzadeh is another impressive player who will keep the opposition defenses on their toes.

Iran to play India on September 1

Iran have been placed in Group B alongside co-hosts Tajikistan, India, and Afghanistan. They will first clash against Afghanistan on August 29 before facing India two days later. The decisive fixture of group B will be played between Iran and Tajikistan. These two are the strongest sides in the group and prominent contenders to top the group. Teams will have to be ruthless each time they take the field, as only the group toppers will advance to the final, which is scheduled to be played on September 8.

The defending champions are expected to cruise through the group stage; their main objective won’t be just to reach the finals. The results and how they are achieved will be equally important for Coach Amir Ghalenoei. In the last few World Cup qualifiers, they have struggled against teams like Uzbekistan and Qatar. Team Melli would be looking to win their matches in this tournament in a comprehensive fashion.

Iran’s 27-member squad for CAFA Nations Cup 2025

Goalkeepers: Payam Niazmand, Ahmad Gohari, Nima Mirzazad

Defenders: Amin Hazbavi, Aref Aghasi, Hossein Kananizadegan, Ali Nemati, Aria Yousefi, Ramin Rezaeian, Omid Noorafkan, Mohammad Naderi

Midfielders: Rouzbeh Cheshmi, Mohammad Ghorbani, Saman Ghoddos, Mohammad Khodabandelou, Alireza Jahanbakhsh, Mohammad Mohebbi, Mehdi Hashemnejad, Alireza Koushki, Mohammadmehdi Mohebbi, Mehdi Tikdari, Mehran Ahmadi

Forwards: Mehdi Taremi, Amirhossein Hosseinzadeh, Shariyar Moghanlou, Ali Alipour, Majid Aliyari

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