Iran to build on youth talent for AFC Asia Cup mission
The young talents of the Iranian national football team played a pivotal role in securing qualification for the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup, capturing attention with their exceptional performances.
Team Melli endured a thrilling and hard-fought campaign against Singapore, Bhutan, Lebanon, and Jordan in Group A of the qualifiers in Amman earlier in July. On the final matchday, Iranian women faced a must-win task against Jordan – and they delivered, beating their formidable opponents 2-1 on their own turf to book their place in the Asian Cup. This marks only the second time in history (and the second consecutive edition) that Iranian women have reached the continental tournament.
Despite entering the qualifiers with an incomplete and subpar preparation, the national team defied expectations. A closer look at head coach Marzieh Jafari’s 23-player squad reveals that nine players were born in 2001 or later, with these young stars stealing the spotlight. Remarkably, they accounted for 10 of Iran’s 14 goals in the qualifiers, proving their technical prowess on the big stage.
Negin Zandi, 21, was undoubtedly the standout player of the tournament. With her blistering speed and dazzling technique, the Izeh-born winger constantly threatened defenses. Though the woodwork and some heroic goalkeeping denied her a more prolific tally, she still finished with two goals and three assists, earning recognition as Iran’s most influential player in the Jordanian capital. Her brilliance will be crucial in the Asian Cup, where she could be Iran’s secret weapon against stronger opponents.
At 24, Zahra Alizadeh is the oldest among Iran’s Gen-Z stars. Initially used as a substitute, she made an immediate impact by assisting against Singapore, earning a starting role afterward. She scored against Bhutan and delivered a crucial assist in the decisive match against Jordan, proving her worth as a clutch performer.
Few expected Fatemeh Shaban, 22, to break into the starting lineup, but the technically gifted winger silenced doubters by scoring in three consecutive games (Singapore, Bhutan, Lebanon). Though luck denied her more goals, she still finished as Iran’s top scorer in the qualifiers, announcing herself as a rising force.
Sara Didar, 20, played multiple roles – from attacking midfielder to target forward – and excelled in each. She scored and assisted against Singapore before netting the crucial opener against Jordan, cementing her status as a key figure in Iran’s qualification.
Despite carrying an injury, 21-year-old Fatemeh Pasandideh was the heartbeat of Iran’s midfield. Her incisive passing created numerous chances, and she even contributed an assist. Her leadership and vision signal the rise of a new midfield general for Iran.
While they saw limited minutes, 19-year-old Rojin Tamerian and 20-year-old Mohaddeseh Zolfi made their mark. Zolfi scored against Bhutan and impressed against Jordan, while Tamerian netted her first international goal in the same match, showcasing her predatory instincts.
A golden generation
in the making
As Iranian women’s football approaches its 20th anniversary, the emergence of this technically gifted generation hints at a bright future. With stars like Zandi, Zahra, Shaban, Didar, Zolfi, Tamerian, and Pasandideh leading the charge – alongside 18-year-old Maryam Dini, who is yet to get her chance – this could be the dawn of a golden era for Iran’s women’s football.
With greater investment and attention, this talented crop of players could take the nation to new heights. The 2026 Asian Cup will be their stage – and the world should take notice – though a mammoth task lies ahead of Jafari and her team in the group phase when the showpiece gets underway in Australia next March.
Iranian girls will begin their campaign against South Korea – beaten by China in the 2022 final – on March 2, before taking on their formidable hosts – World Cup semifinalists on home soil two years ago – in Gold Coast three days later.
The final round of the group fixtures will see Iran face the Philippines, which made it to the last four in the previous edition, on March 8.
The top two in each group will be joined by the two best third-place teams in the quarterfinals.