PLAYER SNAPSHOT: At a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Mohammad Ghorbani |
| Date of Birth | 7 October 2001 (Age: 24) / 21 May 2001 |
| Place of Birth | Arak, Markazi Province, Iran |
| Nationality | Iranian |
| Height | 1.90 m / 6 ft 3 in |
| Weight | 79โ82 kg / 174โ181 lbs |
| Position | Defensive Midfielder / Centre-Midfielder |
| Preferred Foot | โ |
| Squad Number | #6 (Iran) |
| Current Club | Al Wahda |
| Previous Clubs | Nassaji Mazandaran, Sepahan, Orenburg |
| International Caps | 17 |
| International Goals | 0 |
| World Cup Appearances | 2026 |
| Contract Until | 2026 |
| Market Value | โฌ1.2M |
The Frozen Moment
The 2026 FIFA World Cup. Mohammad Ghorbani, the 24-year-old defensive midfielder from Arak, made his World Cup debut on June 26, 2026, starting in Iran’s crucial group-stage match against Egypt. He played the full 90 minutes at the heart of Iran’s midfield, registering two shots, one tackle and two interceptions in a disciplined performance that earned him a 6.71 rating, in a hard-fought 1-1 draw.
It was the culmination of a rapid rise. Just two years earlier, he had made his senior debut for Iran in a World Cup qualifier against Turkmenistan. Now, he was anchoring the midfield on football’s biggest stage.
The boy from Arak who had started his career at Nassaji Mazandaran, who had won the Hazfi Cup with Sepahan, who had ventured to Russia to join Orenburg and then to the UAE to play for Al Wahda, had arrived. His journey from the Iranian Pro League to the World Cup was complete.
Origins
Mohammad Ghorbani was born in Arak, Markazi Province, Iran. He came through the youth ranks at Havadar, progressing from the U19 side in 2017 to the U21 team in 2018.
His professional career began at Nassaji Mazandaran, where he made his debut in the 2020โ21 season. He made 13 league appearances across two seasons for Nassaji.
His international career began with a call-up to the senior Iran squad in November 2022 for a friendly against Nicaragua, though he remained on the bench. He made his senior debut on March 26, 2024, in a World Cup qualifier against Turkmenistan. Since then, he has earned 17 caps for Team Melli.
The Forge
Nassaji Mazandaran (2020โ2022):
Ghorbani started his professional career at Nassaji Mazandaran, making 1 appearance in the 2020โ21 season and 12 appearances in the 2021โ22 season. He won the Hazfi Cup with the club in 2021โ22.
Sepahan (2022โ2024):
Ghorbani transferred to Sepahan in August 2022. Over two seasons at the club, he made 34 league appearances. He also made 6 appearances in the 2023โ24 AFC Champions League, scoring 2 goals. His European exposure in the Champions League helped establish him as a player of international caliber.
Orenburg (2024โ2025):
On February 21, 2024, Ghorbani moved to Russian Premier League club Orenburg. He made 29 league appearances across two seasons, scoring 2 goals. In the 2023โ24 season, he scored 3 goals in 14 appearances (including cup competitions), and in 2024โ25, he made 18 league appearances. His time in Russia gave him valuable experience in a competitive European league.
Al Wahda (2025โPresent):
On February 5, 2025, Ghorbani moved to UAE Pro League side Al Wahda. He has made 33 league appearances for the club, scoring 2 goals. In the 2025โ26 season, he played 22 league appearances, 2 cup appearances, and 7 continental appearances. He won the UAE League Cup with Al Wahda in 2025โ26. His contract runs until June 2026.
International Career:
Ghorbani has been a regular in Iran’s midfield since his debut in 2024. He has earned 17 caps for Team Melli and has featured in World Cup qualifiers, friendlies, and the 2026 FIFA World Cup. At the 2026 World Cup, he started and played the full 90 minutes in Iran’s group-stage match against Egypt, earning a 6.71 rating.
The Anatomy of His Game
Mohammad Ghorbani is a 24-year-old defensive midfielder defined by his physical presence, aerial ability, and tactical discipline. Standing at 1.90 meters, he is a commanding figure in the centre of the pitch.
In Possession:
Ghorbani is a composed passer who likes to play long balls and offers a counter-attacking threat. His passing has been identified as an area for improvement. He has recorded 0 goals and 0 assists in his international career, reflecting his primarily defensive role. At the World Cup, he registered 2 shots, 1 on target.
Out of Possession:
Defensively, Ghorbani’s aerial duels are rated as “very strong.” He is a disciplined presence in midfieldโin the 2025โ26 season for Al Wahda, he received 11 yellow cards in 36 appearances, reflecting an aggressive, hard-working style. At the World Cup, he recorded 2 tackles and 2 interceptions in 90 minutes against Egypt. He has not received a red card in his international career.
Psychological Edge:
Ghorbani’s mental resilience is demonstrated by his rapid rise through the Iranian football system. From starting at Nassaji to earning a move to Sepahan, from Russia to the UAE, he has adapted to new leagues and cultures at every step. His selection for the World Cup and his starting role against Egypt reflect the trust that Iran’s coaching staff has in his ability. His discipline, despite 11 yellow cards in the 2025โ26 season, shows a player who will fight for his team.
The Numbers Game
TABLE A: The Data Snapshot (2025/26 Season)
| Competition | Apps | Minutes | Goals | Assists | Yellow Cards |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UAE Pro League (Al Wahda) | 22 | โ | 1 | 0 | 11 |
| UAE League Cup (Al Wahda) | 2 | โ | 0 | 0 | โ |
| AFC Champions League (Al Wahda) | 7 | โ | 0 | 0 | โ |
| FIFA World Cup 2026 (Iran) | 1 | 90 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| TOTAL | 32 | 90+ | 1 | 0 | 11 |
TABLE B: Career (League)
| Season | Club | League | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020โ21 | Nassaji Mazandaran | Persian Gulf Pro League | 1 | 0 |
| 2021โ22 | Nassaji Mazandaran | Persian Gulf Pro League | 12 | 0 |
| 2022โ23 | Sepahan | Persian Gulf Pro League | 20 | 0 |
| 2023โ24 | Sepahan | Persian Gulf Pro League | 14 | 0 |
| 2023โ24 | Orenburg | Russian Premier League | 11 | 1 |
| 2024โ25 | Orenburg | Russian Premier League | 18 | 1 |
| 2024โ25 | Al Wahda | UAE Pro League | 11 | 1 |
| 2025โ26 | Al Wahda | UAE Pro League | 22 | 1 |
| TOTAL | โ | โ | ~109 | 4 |
TABLE C: International Record (2024โ2026)
| Tournament/Competition | Apps | Starts | Minutes | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Friendlies | 3 | 0 | 60 | 0 |
| World Cup Qualifiers | 7 | 2 | 248 | 0 |
| FIFA World Cup 2026 | 1 | 1 | 90 | 0 |
| TOTAL | 17 | 3 | 398 | 0 |
TABLE D: Career Milestones
| Year | Achievement | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 2001 | Born | Arak, Iran |
| 2017โ2018 | Youth Career | Havadar U19/U21 |
| 2020 | Professional Debut | Nassaji Mazandaran |
| 2021โ22 | Hazfi Cup Winner | With Nassaji Mazandaran |
| 2022 | Sepahan Move | Transferred to Iranian giants |
| 2024 | Iran Senior Debut | vs Turkmenistan |
| 2024 | Orenburg Move | Russian Premier League |
| 2025 | Al Wahda Move | UAE Pro League |
| 2025โ26 | UAE League Cup Winner | With Al Wahda |
| 2026 | World Cup Selection | Named in Iran’s 26-man squad |
| 2026 | World Cup Debut | vs Egypt, 90 minutes |
What these figures reveal is a player of steady progression across multiple leagues. Ghorbani has accumulated over 100 professional league appearances by age 24, scoring 4 goals across three countriesโIran, Russia, and the UAE. His 17 caps for Iran and his starting role at the World Cup reflect his rapid rise and importance to the national team. His market value of โฌ1.2M reflects his status as a promising defensive midfielder.
The Present Tense
Mohammad Ghorbani is 24 years old, entering the prime of his career. He is Al Wahda’s midfielder, an Iranian international with 17 caps, and a 2026 World Cup participant.
The Al Wahda Story:
Ghorbani joined Al Wahda in February 2025 and has made 33 league appearances, scoring 2 goals. In the 2025โ26 season, he made 22 league appearances, 2 cup appearances, and 7 continental appearances. He won the UAE League Cup with the club in 2025โ26. His contract runs until June 2026.
The World Cup Campaign:
Ghorbani was named in Iran’s 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He started Iran’s group-stage match against Egypt on June 26, 2026, playing the full 90 minutes in a 1-1 draw. He registered 2 shots, 1 on target, 2 tackles, and 2 interceptions. Iran were eliminated in the group stage.
International Record:
Ghorbani has earned 17 caps for Iran since his debut in 2024, all as a substitute or starter in midfield. He has not scored an international goal.
Beyond the Touchline
Off the pitch, Mohammad Ghorbani is defined by his journey from Arak to the World Cup. Born in Iran’s Markazi Province, he developed through Havadar’s youth ranks before making his professional debut at Nassaji.
His career has been marked by calculated progressionโfrom the Persian Gulf Pro League to the Russian Premier League, from Russia to the UAE. Each move has seen him adapt to new environments and styles of play.
His selection for the World Cup and his starting role against Egypt represented the culmination of a journey from the youth ranks of Havadar to the global stage. At just 24, he has established himself as a key player for Iran and one of the most promising defensive midfielders in Asian football.
The Verdict from the Camp
WhoScored.com
, on Ghorbani’s strengths:
Ghorbani’s aerial duels are rated as “very strong,” and he likes to play long balls and offers a counter-attacking threat. His passing and finishing are identified as areas for improvement.
FBref.com
, on Ghorbani’s World Cup performance:
Ghorbani started Iran’s World Cup group-stage match against Egypt on June 26, 2026, playing 90 minutes and registering 2 shots, 1 tackle, and 2 interceptions.
Wikipedia
, on Ghorbani’s career:
Ghorbani has made 109 league appearances, scoring 4 goals, across Nassaji, Sepahan, Orenburg, and Al Wahda. He has earned 17 caps for Iran and was named in the 2026 World Cup squad.
็พๅบฆ็พ็ง
, on Ghorbani’s honours:
Ghorbani has won the Hazfi Cup (2021โ22) with Nassaji and the UAE League Cup (2025โ26) with Al Wahda.
AFC
, on Iran’s 2026 World Cup squad:
Midfielders included Mohammad Ghorbani alongside veterans Mehdi Taremi and Alireza Jahanbakhsh.
Where Next?
Mohammad Ghorbani is 24 years old and entering the prime of his career. He is established at Al Wahda, an Iranian international with 17 caps, and a World Cup participant.
For Iran
, Ghorbani is a key player for the future. His World Cup debut and his performances in midfield will solidify his place in the squad. He will be expected to lead Team Melli’s midfield in future tournaments, including the 2027 AFC Asian Cup.
For Al Wahda
, Ghorbani is a valuable asset. His contract runs until June 2026. He has been a regular starter and won the UAE League Cup with the club. His market value is โฌ1.2M. His future may hold a move to a bigger club or league.
His career trajectory is one of rapid ascentโfrom the Persian Gulf Pro League to the Russian Premier League, from Russia to the UAE, from a debut in 2024 to a World Cup starter. He has overcome the challenges of adapting to new leagues and has established himself as one of Iran’s most promising midfielders.
The boy from Arak who rose through Havadar’s youth ranks, who won trophies in Iran and the UAE, who ventured to Russia and the Middle East, who started at a World CupโMohammad Ghorbani’s journey is a story of development, adaptability, and the pursuit of a dream on football’s greatest stage.
