Iran National Football Team Formation

Starting Lineup

Beiranvand · Hardani · Khalilzadeh · Kanaanizadegan · Mohammadi · Ezatolahi · Ghoddos · Jahanbakhsh · Ghayedi · Mohebi · Taremi

Iran aims to play a highly vertical game using a 4-2-4 formation. The lineup is built to stretch the pitch and hit the opposition quickly through the channels. By pushing players high up the pitch, Iran looks to overwhelm the defensive line of the opponent through directness and rapid movement.

Beiranvand operates in goal to command his area and organize the back line. The defensive unit consists of a flat back four that tries to maintain a high line to squeeze the space. Hardani functions as a defensive wing back on the right to help cover the flank, while Mohammadi provides width on the left side. In the center, Khalilzadeh and Kanaanizadegan work together. Khalilzadeh uses his aerial strength to win the header during crosses, whereas Kanaanizadegan acts as a ball playing defender to help play short from the back.

The midfield operates as a double pivot to provide a base for the team. Ezatolahi plays as the deeper player who shields the defence and tries to intercept passes in the middle. Ghoddos acts as the carrier who drives forward with the ball to connect the defensive and attacking lines. This duo must work hard to win the second ball and quickly find the forwards once possession is regained to ensure the team can progress through the thirds.

The attacking unit consists of four players who stay high to pin the opposition back. Taremi works as a target man to hold up the ball and link up play between the lines. Ghayedi plays as a pressing centre-forward to trigger a press against the opposition defenders. On the flanks, Jahanbakhsh and Mohebi act as wide wingers who hug the touchline to spread wide. They look to receive the ball, cut inside, and deliver early crosses or try to hit in behind on the transition.

This formation offers significant speed of transition to catch opponents out of position. The sheer number of attackers allows Iran to pin the last defender and create chances in quick succession. Additionally, the team can exploit wide areas through combinations of the wingers and full backs to create wide overloads.

This 4-2-4 formation is built to play a direct and aggressive game. It is best suited for situations where the team needs to score against a team sitting in a low block by using verticality and wide pressure.