According to the official website of the Football Federation, Moslem Oladghobad, the 2022 AFC Futsal Player of the Year and one of Iran’s key national team players, spoke about the team’s condition and goals following their qualification for the next stage of the AFC Futsal Asian Cup 2026.

“We know that we haven’t yet shown our best performance,” said Oladghobad. “But the team is improving match by match, and fortunately, with two wins against Malaysia and Saudi Arabia, we guaranteed our progression. This qualification is the result of collective effort — from the technical staff to every player who fought wholeheartedly for Iran’s jersey.”

Reflecting on his own performances, Oladghobad noted:

“I’m happy that I could help the team — scoring in the first match and providing the assist in the second where we broke Saudi Arabia’s defense. These individual moments are only possible through the trust of the coaching staff and the teamwork that defines our group.”

Referring to the 2024 Bangkok tournament, where he joined the team while injured, Oladghobad praised head coach Vahid Shamsaei:

“Back then, Mr. Shamsaei trusted me despite my injury — something I value deeply. I’m glad I could repay that trust with an assist in the final. That same atmosphere of confidence and mutual support still exists in this national team.”

Discussing Iran’s next opponent, he remarked:

“Afghanistan have made impressive progress in recent years, especially under Iranian coaches. They’ve held numerous camps and friendlies and always play us with high motivation. They have players familiar with our futsal style, so it definitely won’t be an easy game.”

Commenting on the venue conditions, Oladghobad said:

“Mr. Shamsaei is right — the court isn’t ideal for technical teams like us who rely on close passing. You can see on television how often the ball sticks on the surface. That benefits teams like Malaysia and Saudi Arabia, who aim to break our rhythm with constant stoppages. Still, we must adapt and overcome.”

He concluded by reaffirming Iran’s purpose:

“Team Iran is united and here to win the championship. The deeper we go, the more cohesive we become. We’ve promised our people a championship — that’s the least we can do for Iran. This path is tough, emotionally and physically, but experience shows that the Iranian team grows stronger in adversity. We stand shoulder to shoulder, fighting to the end.”