Iran 5-0 Costa Rica Highlights, FIFA International Friendly 2026: Taremi Brace Powers Team Melli To Dominant Victory

Welcome to live coverage of Iran vs Costa Rica in this FIFA International Friendly 2026 clash from Antalya. Stay tuned for team news, kickoff updates, and all the key moments as they unfold.

• Location: Antalya, Turkey

• Stadium: Mardan Stadyumu

• Date & Kickoff time: Tuesday, Mar 31 – 06:30 pm IST

• Total matches: 2

• Costa Rica won: 0

• Iran won: 1

• Draws: 1

Iran are going through one of the worst periods in recent memory ever since the start of the missile conflict with the United States and Iran. A horrible attack on the Shajareh Tayyebeh girls elementary school in Minab resulted in the murder of 165 children and staff.

The Iran women's football team paid tribute to the lost souls by holding school backpacks during their match against Nigeria.

This has added fuel to the fire that has left Iran at the verge of pulling out of the FIFA World Cup, which will be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

The first half is underway in Antalya, with Iran looking to control possession early while Costa Rica sit deep and stay compact. A cautious start so far, with both sides focusing on shape and buildup rather than creating immediate chances.

Ali Gholizadeh puts Team Melli ahead in the 11th minute with a composed right-footed finish from the centre of the box, calmly slotting it home after a neat assist from Amirhossein Hosseinzadeh.

Iran lead 1-0 early on, and it’s a deserved breakthrough after their positive start.

Mehdi Taremi steps up in the 19th minute and shows absolute composure from the spot, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way with a confident strike straight down the middle. Iran are firmly on top now, dominating proceedings and making their early pressure count with two quick goals.

This is turning into a dominant first half from Team Melli! Mohammad Mohebi gets on the scoresheet in the 31st minute with a composed right-footed finish from close range, capping off a smooth attacking move. Mehdi Taremi turns provider this time with a neat assist, and Iran are now cruising with a three-goal lead inside half an hour.

Gerald Taylor goes into the referee’s book in the 32nd minute after a late challenge, summing up a frustrating spell for Los Ticos. With Iran dominating and already three goals up, Costa Rica are struggling to keep up and discipline starting to slip.

Another penalty, and once again it’s Mehdi Taremi who steps up, and delivers with ice-cold composure. He calmly slots it down the middle for his second of the night, completely wrong-footing the goalkeeper. Iran are running riot now, four goals up inside 35 minutes, with Taremi leading the charge and Costa Rica struggling to contain the pressure.

A dominant first half comes to an end with Iran leading 4-0 against Costa Rica. Team Melli have been clinical throughout, converting their chances and completely controlling the game, while Los Ticos have struggled to cope with the intensity and attacking pressure.

Iran make a change at the break as Payam Niazmand comes on to replace Hossein Hosseini in goal, signaling a bit of rotation with the game already in control. The second half kicks off with Team Melli holding a commanding 4-0 lead, while Costa Rica will be looking for some response and pride in the remaining 45 minutes.

This is complete domination from Team Melli! Mehdi Ghayedi gets in on the act in the 54th minute, finishing clinically from the centre of the box and smashing it high into the net. Iran are relentless tonight, five goals up now, with Costa Rica completely outplayed in every department.

Iran make two substitutions in the 73rd minute with the game firmly under control. Amirhossein Mahmoudi comes on to replace Mehdi Taremi, while Ali Alipour is introduced in place of Mohammad Mohebi. A clear sign of rotation from Team Melli, giving key players a breather after a dominant performance.

Amirhossein Mahmoudi is booked in the 90th minute after a late challenge, with the referee quick to pull out the card. With Iran comfortably ahead, it’s a moment of frustration late in the game as discipline slips slightly in the closing stages.

The referee blows the final whistle, and it’s a completely one-sided finish as Iran cruise to a commanding 5-0 victory over Costa Rica. A dominant performance from Team Melli from start to finish, with their attacking quality and control proving far too much for Los Ticos to handle.

90' IRN 5-0 CRC