Iranian forward Sardar Azmoun faces a significant injury setback after sustaining a left ankle injury during training with Shabab Al-Ahli. Medical examinations revealed the need for surgery, sidelining him for an extended period and impacting both his club and national team commitments. Azmoun has missed Iran’s training camp and his absence could affect Shabab Al-Ahli’s performance and his availability for future international matches. Following surgery, he will undergo rehabilitation to regain strength and gradually return to play. The football community supports him as he navigates this challenging recovery, hoping for his swift return to the pitch.
In a thrilling quarter-final at the AFC U-20 Asian Cup China 2025, Japan edged out Iran in a penalty shootout, winning 4-3 after a 1-1 draw. Iran took an early lead with Reza Ghandipour’s goal, but Japan equalized through Kose Ogura. Despite Iran’s goalkeeper Arsha Shakouri’s impressive saves, missed penalties from Erfan Darvish Aali and Pourya Shahrabadi proved costly. Rion Ichihara scored the decisive penalty for Japan, securing their place in the semi-finals and the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile 2025. The match showcased young talent and set the stage for Japan’s upcoming clash with Australia.
Behdad Salimi, the 2012 Olympic gold medalist, has been appointed head coach of Iran’s men’s weightlifting team, succeeding Navab Nasirshalal. Salimi, alongside assistant coach Ali Jabbari, aims to enhance training and athlete performance as the team prepares for upcoming competitions. In related changes, Sohrab Moradi will lead the youth and junior teams, while Elham Hosseini, Mina Osfouri, and Abrisham Arjemandkhah join the women’s coaching staff, emphasizing the development of female athletes. The Iranian Weightlifting Federation is optimistic about these appointments, focusing on rigorous training, talent development, and mental preparedness for future success in international events.
In the CAFA U-17 Women’s Championship 2025, the Iran U-17 women’s football team suffered a 1-0 defeat to Uzbekistan. This tournament, held in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, showcases young female talent in the region. Under coach Shadi Mahini, Iran aims to bounce back with two crucial upcoming matches against Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. The event is vital for the players’ development and promotes women’s sports in Iran. Despite the loss, the team remains optimistic about improving their performance and hopes to pave the way for greater recognition of women’s football in the country.
Iran will begin its campaign in the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup qualifiers with a match against Singapore on June 26. The tournament features 34 teams divided into various groups, with matches hosted across several countries in Asia, highlighting the commitment to women’s football. Iran’s group includes Jordan, Lebanon, Singapore, and Bhutan. The top eight teams will join defending champions China, and other strong teams like Korea Republic and Japan in the finals, set for March 2026. This tournament is crucial for promoting women’s sports, inspiring young athletes, and providing international exposure for players.
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