TIJUANA — Iran’s national team closed out its pre-tournament preparations with a 2-1 victory over Mali on Tuesday, offering a final look at the squad before they head to Tijuana for the World Cup.
The match provided the tactical litmus test head coach Amir Ghalenoei wanted. Iran controlled the midfield for long stretches, though Mali’s pace on the break exposed gaps in the Iranian backline that could prove costly against higher-ranked opponents in the group stage.
Sardar Azmoun broke the deadlock in the 32nd minute, nodding home a precise cross from the right flank. The goal settled Iran’s nerves after a frantic opening quarter where Mali’s physical approach kept the Iranian defense on its heels.
Mali leveled the score shortly after halftime. A defensive lapse allowed Ibrahim Kone to slip behind the center-backs, slotting the ball past Alireza Beiranvand. The equalizer silenced the Iranian bench and forced a tactical shift.
Ghalenoei responded by bringing on fresh legs in the 65th minute. The adjustment paid off almost immediately. Mehdi Taremi, who had been quiet for much of the afternoon, drew a foul just outside the penalty area. His subsequent free-kick curled into the top corner, restoring Iran’s lead with less than 15 minutes remaining.
“We saw what we needed to see today,” Ghalenoei told reporters after the final whistle. “There are mistakes to clean up before we land in Tijuana, but the intensity is where it needs to be.”
The result marks the end of a grueling training camp. Iran now faces the logistical shift to Mexico, where they will navigate the pressures of a tournament environment.
While the win provides momentum, the defensive vulnerabilities remain a point of concern. Mali’s ability to transition from defense to attack in under ten seconds highlighted a recurring issue for the Iranian side—a weakness that group-stage rivals will surely look to exploit.
The team departs for Tijuana on Wednesday. Their opening match of the tournament is set for next week, where the reality of the World Cup stage will demand a sharper performance than what was on display today.
