Oman today_ Iran’s national team, having already secured its spot in the World Cup, will approach its remaining two qualifying matches as preparatory games. Today, Thursday, June 5, 2025, Iran faces Qatar at 9:45 PM Tehran time. While Iran enters this match with ease, the game holds significant importance for Qatar. The hosts of the previous World Cup are fighting to retain their spot in the next qualifying round, as any dropped points could jeopardize their position.
Iran has a strong track record against Qatar in World Cup qualifiers, having won the last four encounters. However, a past defeat against Qatar in these competitions led to Iran’s elimination from the AFC Asian Cup, a memory that still lingers. The absence of key players like Sardar Azmoun, Mohammad Mohebi, Ali Gholizadeh, Alireza Jahanbakhsh, and Mehdi Ghaedi due to injuries offers an opportunity for younger and less-utilized players to prove themselves in the starting lineup. These final two matches, in addition to serving a preparatory purpose, provide a chance to test new combinations and prepare the team for future challenges.