By Pishtaz | 2025-09-12

Iran’s national football team delivered a determined and largely impressive performance in the 2025 CAFA Nations Cup, ultimately finishing as runners-up after a dramatic final against Uzbekistan.

The tournament, co-hosted by Tajikistan and Uzbekistan from August 29 to September 8, brought together Central Asia’s top teams for the region’s premier men’s international competition.

Iran’s national football team, known as Team Melli, entered the tournament as defending champions after edging Uzbekistan 1-0 in the 2023 final.

Expectations were high, and Iran did not disappoint during the group stage.

They began with a solid 3-1 win over Afghanistan, followed by a commanding 3-0 victory against India.

In their final group match, Iran battled to a 2-2 draw with hosts Tajikistan, with Mehdi Mohebi and Mohammad Mohebi finding the net.

The result was enough to secure first place in Group B, underlining Iran’s balance of attacking firepower and defensive organization.

However, the final in Tashkent’s Olympic City Stadium on September 8 presented a far sterner challenge.

Iran’s hopes took an early blow when Arya Yousefi was sent off just five minutes into the match, forcing them to play nearly the entire game with ten men.

Despite the numerical disadvantage, Team Melli showed remarkable discipline, absorbing pressure and creating danger on the counterattack.

For 115 minutes, Iran held firm, frustrating the Uzbek attack and drawing praise for their resilience.

But deep into extra time, fatigue finally told. Xojiakbar Alijonov rose highest to head home in the 120th minute, sealing Uzbekistan’s first-ever CAFA Nations Cup crown with a heartbreaking 1-0 defeat for Iran.

Room for growth

Despite the narrow loss, Iran’s campaign offered plenty of encouragement.

Group stage matches highlighted attacking variety and creativity, while the final showcased their defensive grit under extreme pressure.

The squad also blended emerging young talents with established leaders, signaling a promising future.

Hosseinzadeh and Aliyari stood out with commanding performances in midfield.

In defense, Iran’s back line remained solid for most of the tournament, though the late concession in the final underscored the challenges of playing shorthanded at the highest level.

Coach Amir Ghalenoei praised his players after the loss, saying that even with ten men, his team showed the spirit and resilience that define Iranian football.

While Iran fell just short of retaining their title, their run reaffirmed their place among the region’s elite.

With a new generation of players pushing through and experienced veterans guiding them, Team Melli appears well-positioned for future challenges, including World Cup qualifiers and the Asian Cup.

The lessons of the 2025 CAFA Nations Cup are certain to strengthen Iran’s resolve as they pursue even greater ambitions on the continental and global stage.