Former Porto striker Mehdi Taremi headlines Iran’s 35-man squad for clashes with Super Eagles and Costa Rica.
The Iran national team have unveiled a 35-man squad for their upcoming international friendlies against Nigeria national football team and Costa Rica national football team, as part of preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Head coach Amir Ghalenoei will lead his squad to a training camp in Antalya, where Iran will face Nigeria on March 27, before taking on Costa Rica four days later.
The squad features four goalkeepers, twelve defenders, six midfielders, and thirteen forwards, reflecting a strong attacking emphasis ahead of the friendlies.
The standout name in the squad is Mehdi Taremi, the award-winning striker who previously starred for FC Porto and also had a stint with Inter Milan.
Taremi brings significant experience, having recorded three goal involvements at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, including a brace against England and an assist versus Wales. During his time in Portugal, he won multiple trophies and finished as Primeira Liga top scorer twice, cementing his reputation as one of Asia’s top forwards.
Meanwhile, the Iranian Football Federation confirmed that Dennis Eckert Ayensa will be eligible to represent Iran once he receives final clearance from FIFA.
The upcoming fixtures will serve as a key test for both Iran and Nigeria, as they fine-tune their squads ahead of future international competitions.
