Iran coach hails Taremi after World Cup qualification.
- Ayda Salem
- Mar 27
- 2 min read
March 27, 2025 - Iran coach Amir Ghalenoei hailed Mehdi Taremi’s influence after the Inter Milan striker scored twice in a 2-2 draw with Uzbekistan on Tuesday, securing Iran’s place at the 2026 World Cup.
Taremi has struggled with injuries since joining Inter from Porto on a free transfer last summer, but his two goals proved decisive for the national team in Tehran.
“A great player must contribute both technically and physically,” Ghalenoei said.
“Taremi is one of those players. Despite playing for a big club and not being in top condition—he could have missed the season—he stayed with the team and played for the people.
“He was the best player on the field, and I am happy that in most games, he stands out as the best from the Iranian national team.”
Taremi’s first goal at Azadi Stadium came in the 52nd minute, volleying in to cancel out Hojimat Erkinov’s 16th-minute opener for Uzbekistan.
Abbosbek Fayzullaev restored Uzbekistan’s lead moments later, but Taremi struck from close range seven minutes from time, securing the point Iran needed to qualify for the finals in North America.
His performance, bringing his international tally to 54 goals in 92 matches, followed his absence from Iran’s 2-0 win over the UAE due to illness, while groin issues have hampered his season in Milan.
Taremi has made just 14 starts for Inter after five prolific seasons in Portugal with Rio Ave and Porto, but his heroics on Tuesday ensured Iran’s fourth consecutive World Cup appearance.
With qualification secured, Ghalenoei is now aiming to lead Iran past the group stage for the first time in the expanded tournament.
Iran have never progressed beyond the group phase in six previous World Cup appearances, winning only three of their 18 matches.
“Qualification was not easy,” Ghalenoei said. “When you look at the strength of other teams, you realize that our players achieved this under difficult circumstances.”