IR Iran 1-0 Kyrgyz Republic – FIFA World Cup 2026 AFC Qualifiers

In a closely contested FIFA World Cup 2026 AFC Qualifiers match, IR Iran edged past Kyrgyz Republic 1-0 at the Foolad Shahr Stadium in Isfahan on September 5, 2024. The lone goal from Mehdi Taremi proved decisive, helping Iran secure three vital points in Group A of the Round Three qualifiers. This victory reinforced Iran’s standing in the group, while Kyrgyz Republic struggled to create chances against a resilient Iranian defense.

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Iran vs KGZ Head to Head

Iran and Kyrgyz Republic had met six times before, with Iran dominating the head-to-head record with three wins and three draws. The last few meetings saw Iran comfortably winning by significant margins, including a 7-0 thrashing in an earlier stage of the qualifiers. In this match, Iran continued their unbeaten streak against the Kyrgyz Republic.

Iran vs KGZ Head-to-Head Record:

• Iran: 3 Wins
• Draws: 3
• Kyrgyz Republic: 0 Wins

Iran vs KGZ Lineups

Here are the Iran National Football Team vs Kyrgyzstan National Football Team lineups for today. 

IR Iran (4-4-2):

• Goalkeeper: Ali Beiranvand
• Defenders: Shoja Khalilzadeh, Milad Mohammadi, Amin Hazbavi, Arya Yousefi
• Midfielders: Mehdi Ghayedi, Mahdi Torabi (60′ M. Torabi), Saeid Ezatolahi (67′), Omid Norafkan
• Forwards: Mehdi Taremi (C), Sardar Azmoun (81′)

Kyrgyz Republic (5-3-2):

• Goalkeeper: Erzhan Tokotayev
• Defenders: Valerii Kichin (C), Tamirlan Kozubaev, Khristiyan Brauzman
• Midfielders: Odilzhon Abdurakhmanov, Eldiyar Zarypbekov, Alimardon Shukurov
• Forwards: Joel Kojo, Kimi Merk (87′)

Iran vs KGZ First Half

The match started with Iran controlling possession, and they showed attacking intent early on. Iran earned several corners in the first 20 minutes, with Mehdi Ghayedi and Omid Norafkan testing the Kyrgyz defense.

The breakthrough came in the 34th minute when Mehdi Taremi found the back of the net with a well-placed shot. His clinical finish, assisted by a well-timed through ball, gave Iran the lead. Despite Kyrgyz Republic’s efforts to counter, Iran’s defense, led by Shoja Khalilzadeh, remained solid.

Kyrgyz Republic created some chances towards the end of the first half, forcing a few saves from Ali Beiranvand, but they couldn’t level the score. The half ended 1-0 in favor of Iran.

Iran vs KGZ Second Half

The second half saw Kyrgyz Republic pushing for an equalizer, but Iran’s defense remained resolute. Kyrgyz midfielder Shukurov had a couple of corner opportunities, but Iran’s goalkeeper Beiranvand was equal to the task.

In response, Iran almost doubled their lead in the 73rd minute when Sardar Azmoun’s shot was brilliantly blocked by Kyrgyz defender Kozubaev. Iran’s coach made some key substitutions to maintain their dominance, with Saeid Ezatolahi coming on for Saman Ghoddos to solidify the midfield.

Despite Kyrgyz Republic’s late push, they couldn’t find the back of the net, and the match ended 1-0 in Iran’s favor.

Iran vs KGZ Stats

Here are the Iran National Football Team vs Kyrgyzstan National Football Team stats today (Sep 5, 2024)

• Possession: IR Iran 65% – Kyrgyz Republic 35%
• Shots on Target: IR Iran 6 – Kyrgyz Republic 3
• Fouls Committed: IR Iran 11 – Kyrgyz Republic 9
• Corners: IR Iran 7 – Kyrgyz Republic 3

Iran vs KGZ Timeline of Key Events

Here are the Iran National Football Team vs Kyrgyzstan National Football Team timeline today (Sep 5, 2024)

1. 8′: Iran earned a corner kick, Ghayedi’s cross was cleared by Kyrgyz Republic defenders.
2. 34′ Goal – IR Iran: Mehdi Taremi scored the only goal of the game.
3. 45’+3 Offside – IR Iran: Shoja Khalilzadeh was caught offside just before halftime.
4. 45′: Kenzhebaev’s substitution for Kyrgyz Republic as they looked for an equalizer.
5. 57′: Beiranvand pulled off a crucial save, denying Kyrgyz Republic’s best chance of the game.
6. 60′ Substitution – IR Iran: Mahdi Torabi and Alireza Jahanbakhsh were brought on to freshen up the attack.
7. 67′ Substitution – IR Iran: Saeid Ezatolahi replaced Saman Ghoddos to reinforce the midfield.
8. 73′: Azmoun’s shot blocked by Kozubaev, keeping Kyrgyz Republic’s hopes alive.
9. 81′ Substitution – IR Iran: Shahriyar Moghanlou came on for Sardar Azmoun as Iran looked to manage the game.
10. 87′ Substitution – Kyrgyz Republic: Kimi Merk was substituted for Joel Kojo as Kyrgyz Republic pushed for an equalizer.
11. 90’+4: Final effort by Kyrgyz Republic thwarted by Beiranvand, preserving Iran’s lead.

Iran vs KGZ Impact on the Points Table

With this win, Iran further strengthened their position at the top of Group A in the AFC qualifiers. This victory leaves them with a comfortable buffer, making their path toward the next stage of qualification clearer. Kyrgyz Republic, on the other hand, find themselves struggling at the bottom of the group with no wins, and their hopes of progressing are diminishing.

Iran vs KGZ Man of the Match

Mehdi Taremi was the standout player for Iran, not only scoring the decisive goal but also creating multiple attacking opportunities. His leadership on the pitch, along with his ability to find space in tight situations, earned him the Man of the Match award.

IR Iran’s 1-0 victory over Kyrgyz Republic showcased their experience and tactical discipline in managing the game after taking an early lead. Despite Kyrgyz Republic’s valiant efforts, Iran’s defense and goalkeeping were unyielding, ensuring they secured the crucial three points. This result pushes Iran closer to World Cup qualification, while Kyrgyz Republic’s chances now hang by a thread.

Iran’s next fixture will be key in determining their final position in the group, but with performances like this, they look set to advance comfortably.