Alireza Beiranvand

Alireza Beiranvand is one of IR Iran's most experienced goalkeepers, a shot-stopper who has been part of the national-team setup across two World Cups. The Tractor keeper is 33 at kick-off and has been named in Amir Ghalenoei's provisional squad for the 2026 finals, with the final 26 still to be confirmed before the tournament.

IR Iran reached the tournament as winners of their Asian qualifying group, sealing their place on 25 March 2025. Ghalenoei's side are drawn with New Zealand, Belgium and Egypt in Group G and open against New Zealand on 15 June. Beiranvand's reflexes and shot-stopping have long been features of his game, and his know-how between the posts gives the squad a goalkeeper who has handled the big occasion before.

Beiranvand is a reflex goalkeeper whose shot-stopping and command of his box are the core of his game. He sets himself early, reads efforts from distance, and comes to claim crosses in his area. His handling is dependable, and he is comfortable distributing to start moves from the back rather than only clearing his lines.

Behind that is a temperament for the big moment, the trait that defined his penalty save against Cristiano Ronaldo at the 2018 World Cup. In Ghalenoei's 4-2-3-1, a side that sits deep and counters, an alert keeper behind the back four matters to how IR Iran defend.

Beiranvand gives IR Iran's Goal Rush pick a goalkeeper-led case: reflex saves, two previous World Cups, and a 2018 penalty stop against Cristiano Ronaldo. IR Iran sit in Tier 4 at £10m within the game's £200m card budget. Their Group G path starts with New Zealand before Belgium and Egypt, so the team slot is a low-cost call where his value is clearest on matchdays when IR Iran need saves, box command and calm behind a deep defensive shape.