Iran have decided to keep their faith in head coach Amir Ghalenoei after an encouraging FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign, extending his contract until the 2027 AFC Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia.The Football Federation of the Islamic Republic of Iran (FFIRI) confirmed that Ghalenoei will remain in office after reviewing his plans for the continental tournament, according to a Reuters report.“Ghalenoei will remain the head coach of the national team,” Tehran Times quoted Iran Football Federation president Mehdi Taj as saying. “We have received his plans for the AFC Asian Cup.”Taj also confirmed that preparations for the next FIFA international window will begin soon, with further developments planned for Iran’s national teams.The decision comes after Ghalenoei guided Iran through a challenging but memorable World Cup campaign in the United States, where Team Melli exited the group stage despite going undefeated.
Three draws, no knockout spot for Team Melli
Iran was placed in Group G and produced a strong performance against some of the best teams in the world, recording three consecutive draws. However, their three-point tally was not enough to secure one of the eight available spots for the best third-place teams.Iran started their campaign with a 2-2 draw against New Zealand before holding Belgium to a goalless draw. Their final group game ended in a 1-1 draw against Egypt, leaving them third in the standings and ending their World Cup journey.The campaign is more demanding away from the pitch. Due to visa-related complications, Iran based their training camp in Tijuana, Mexico, rather than the United States. The squad had to make back-and-forth cross-border trips for games in Los Angeles and Seattle.The players also carry the emotional weight of representing a country facing conflict at home, making their unbeaten run all the more significant.
The experienced Ghalenoei was tasked with the Asian Cup challenge
The 62-year-old Ghalenoei is one of Iran’s most experienced coaches and is currently serving his second spell with the national team. He first led Team Melli between 2006 and 2007, leading Iran to the quarter-finals of the 2007 AFC Asian Cup.After returning as head coach in 2023, he guided Iran to the semi-finals of the 2023 Asian Cup, further strengthening his credentials.Iran, three-time Asian champions whose last continental title came in 1978, will now turn their attention to the 2027 AFC Asian Cup. They are in Group C with Syria, Kyrgyzstan and China.The tournament starts on January 7, with the final scheduled to take place in Riyadh on February 5.