Iran National Football Team Formation

Starting Lineup

A.Beiranvand · S.Hardani · A.Hazbavi · H.Kanani · M.Mohammadi · S.Ezatallahi · S.Ghodos · M.Ghaedi · M.Taremi · M.Mohebbi · S.Azmon

Iran focuses on a direct and vertical style of play using a 4-2-4 formation. This lineup seeks to overwhelm the opposition in the final third by keeping many bodies high up the pitch. The intention is to use the width and the presence of multiple forwards to pin the defense back and create quick chances in transition.

A.Beiranvand operates between the posts to anchor the defensive unit. The back line functions as a flat back four that must maintain discipline when the team pushes forward. H.Kanani and A.Hazbavi act as the central defenders, with Kanani providing aerial strength and Hazbavi covering the space behind. M.Mohammadi and S.Hardani serve as full backs, needing to track back quickly to prevent being caught out when the team loses possession. The unit works to keep the line compact to avoid being split by through balls.

The midfield relies on a double pivot consisting of S.Ghodos and S.Ezatallahi. These two players are responsible for controlling the center of the pitch and protecting the back four. S.Ezatallahi works to shield the defense and win the second ball, while S.Ghodos acts as the link to help progress through the thirds. They must possess the stamina to cover large areas of the pitch as they connect the defensive line to the four attackers. Their primary job is to recycle possession and prevent the opposition from playing through the middle.

In the attacking phase, Iran utilizes two center forwards in a partnership of M.Taremi and S.Azmon. Taremi often drops slightly to link up play, while Azmon looks to make runs in behind the defense. M.Ghaedi and M.Mohebbi operate as wide wingers, looking to stretch the defense by staying wide or cutting inside to create overloads. The attack is built to move the ball quickly to these players to isolate defenders in one on one situations. This front four can press from the front to force a long ball from the opponent.

This formation offers specific tactical advantages like overwhelming the opposition defense with numbers. By playing with four attackers, Iran can create wide overloads and force the opposing center backs to stay deep. The double pivot provides a level of security that allows the wingers and forwards to focus on attacking. This setup makes the team very dangerous during quick transitions where they can hit the opposition before they can get organized.

Iran employs a high risk, high reward system that relies on goal scoring prowess. This 4-2-4 is best suited for games where the team needs to chase a result against a side that sits deep.