Iran Vs Costa Rica, International Friendly: FIFA Boss Infantino In Attendance As Team Melli Register Emotional Win

Iran delivered a commanding performance to thrash Costa Rica 5-0 in their international friendly in Antalya on March 31. Ali Gholizadeh opened the scoring early before Mehdi Taremi took charge with two composed penalties, putting Team Melli firmly in control. Mohammad Mohebi added another as Iran raced to a 4-0 lead by half-time, completely dominating proceedings. The second half saw no let-up, with Mehdi Ghayedi scoring the fifth to cap off a one-sided display. Costa Rica struggled to create meaningful chances throughout, as Iran controlled possession and dictated the tempo. The result highlights Iran’s attacking depth and sharpness ahead of upcoming international competitions.

Updated on: 31 March 2026 10:21 pm

Published at: 31 March 2026 10:14 pm

Iran vs Costa Rica Soccer International Friendly 2026 photos-Mehdi Ghayedi

Iran's Mehdi Ghayedi, right, celebrates with teammates their side's fifth goal during a friendly soccer match between Iran and Costa Rica, in Antalya, southern Turkey. | Photo: AP/Riza Ozel

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Iran vs Costa Rica Soccer International Friendly 2026 photos-Shahriar Moghanlou

Iran's Shahriar Moghanlou, left, vies for the ball with Costa Rica's Jorkaeff Azofeifa during a friendly soccer match between Iran and Costa Rica, in Antalya, southern Turkey. | Photo: AP/Riza Ozel

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Iran vs Costa Rica Soccer International Friendly 2026 photos-Ali Alipour

Iran's Ali Alipour, center, vies for the ball with Costa Rica's defenders during a friendly soccer match between Iran and Costa Rica, in Antalya, southern Turkey. | Photo: AP/Riza Ozel

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Iran vs Costa Rica Soccer International Friendly 2026 photos-Amirmohammad Razaghinia

Iran's Amirmohammad Razaghinia, center, vies for the ball with Costa Rica's defenders during a friendly soccer match between Iran and Costa Rica, in Antalya, southern Turkey. | Photo: AP/Riza Ozel

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Iran vs Costa Rica Soccer International Friendly 2026 photos-Gianni Infantino

FIFA President Gianni Infantino follows a friendly soccer match between Iran and Costa Rica, in Antalya, southern Turkey. | Photo: AP/Riza Ozel

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Iran vs Costa Rica Soccer International Friendly 2026 photos-Mehdi Taremi

Iran's Mehdi Taremi, right, celebrates with teammates after scoring their side's fourth goal during a friendly soccer match between Iran and Costa Rica, in Antalya, southern Turkey. | Photo: AP/Riza Ozel

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Iran vs Costa Rica Soccer International Friendly 2026 photos-Mohammad Mohebi

Iran's Mohammad Mohebi, right, celebrates after scoring his side's third goal during a friendly soccer match between Iran and Costa Rica, in Antalya, southern Turkey. | Photo: AP/Riza Ozel

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Iran vs Costa Rica Soccer International Friendly 2026 photos-

Iran's players pose for photographer prior a friendly soccer match between Iran and Costa Rica, in Antalya, southern Turkey. | Photo: AP/Riza Ozel

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Iran vs Costa Rica Soccer International Friendly 2026 photos-Amir Ghalenoei

Iran's coach Amir Ghalenoei, center, and Iran's Football Federation Vice President Mehdi Mohammad Nabi, left, hold pictures of children allegedly killed in a U.S. and Israel strikes in Iran, before a friendly soccer match between Iran and Costa Rica, in Antalya, southern Turkey. | Photo: AP/Riza Ozel

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Iran vs Costa Rica Friendly photos of children allegedly killed in U.S. and Israel strikes in Iran

Iran's players sing the national anthem, holding pictures of children allegedly killed in U.S. and Israel strikes in Iran, before a friendly soccer match between Iran and Costa Rica, in Antalya, southern Turkey. | Photo: AP/Riza Ozel

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Iran vs Costa Rica Soccer Friendly 2026 pictures of children allegedly killed in a U.S. strike

Iran's players pose for photographers holding pictures of children allegedly killed in a U.S. strike in Iran before a friendly soccer match between Iran and Costa Rica, in Antalya, southern Turkey. | Photo: AP/Riza Ozel