Taremi tops aerial duels, Beiranvand among leading goalkeepers after World Cup group stage
Iran captain Mehdi Taremi and goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand emerged among the standout individual performers of the 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage despite Team Melli's early exit from the tournament.
With the group stage concluding after 72 matches and 215 goals – an average of nearly three per game – FIFA released its individual statistical rankings, highlighting several Iranian players among the competition's best.
Taremi finished joint-first in aerial duels won, prevailing 15 times in battles for high balls to underline his importance as Iran's focal point in attack.
The 33-year-old led the tournament in the category alongside other top performers despite Iran playing only three group-stage matches.
⚽ Taremi and Beiranvand among best performers in group stage of 2026 World Cup
— Press TV Sports (@presstvsports) June 28, 2026
🔹 72 matches were played and 215 goals scored, averaging 2.99 goals per match
🔹 In "aerial duels won," Mehdi Taremi ranks first. In "most saves," Alireza Beiranvand ranks third.@presstvsports pic.twitter.com/IkOP5abHJM
Beiranvand also featured prominently among the tournament's top goalkeepers.
The Iran No. 1 recorded 15 saves, placing third overall behind Curaçao goalkeeper Eloy Room, who made 20 saves, and Saudi Arabia's Mohammed Alowais with 16. Beiranvand also ranked among the leading goalkeepers for successful claims, making four interventions from crosses.
His performances included a standout display in Iran's goalless draw with Belgium, when he repeatedly starts such as Kevin De Bruyne to earn Player of the Match honors.
Elsewhere in the tournament, Lionel Messi finished the group stage as the leading scorer with six goals.
Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland, Ousmane Dembélé and Vinícius Júnior shared second place with four goals apiece. Messi and Mbappé also topped the standings for direct goal involvements, contributing six goals or assists each.
Alexander Isak, Bruno Guimarães and Michael Olise led the assist chart with three each, while Leandro Trossard created a tournament-high 15 chances. Mohamed Salah and Achraf Hakimi followed with 11 chances created.
⚽ "Iran — the unluckiest team in history."
— Press TV Sports (@presstvsports) June 28, 2026
24 hours of insane twists:
❌ Goal in 93rd minute → VAR disallowed
❌ Ghana couldn't beat Croatia
❌ Congo won from behind
❌ Austria equalized in 96th minute@presstvsports pic.twitter.com/HTfI3dKMTY
Mbappé and Kevin De Bruyne attempted the most shots with 16 each, narrowly ahead of Messi on 15, while Ibrahim Maza completed a group-stage-best 12 successful dribbles.
In other statistical categories, Rodri led the competition in forward passes, Marvin Senaya topped the tackling charts, Juan Cáceres won the most duels, and Spain goalkeeper Unai Simón was the only shot-stopper to keep three clean sheets during the group stage.
Iran's World Cup campaign ended in the group stage after draws against New Zealand, Belgium and Egypt.
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