Iran Extends Contract with Head Coach Amir Ghalenoei Through January Asian Cup

Amir Ghalenoei, head coach of the Iranian national football team, which narrowly missed the round of 32 after recording three draws in the group stage of the 2026 North and Central America World Cup, will remain at the helm until the Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia next January.

The Tehran Times reported on July 13 (KST) that the Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran has decided to maintain its trust in Ghalenoei despite the team's elimination from Group G of the World Cup group stage.

Mehdi Taj, president of the Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran, stated, "Coach Ghalenoei will continue to lead the national team," adding, "He has already submitted his operational plan for the Asian Cup.

A training camp for the national team is scheduled to be convened soon for the international match window starting in September."

In the group stage of this North and Central America World Cup, Iran finished third in Group G after drawing all three of its matches against New Zealand (2-2), Belgium (0-0), and Egypt (1-1), narrowly missing out on a direct ticket to the round of 32.

Despite remaining undefeated in the tournament, Iran finished 9th among the third-placed teams from each group, missing the ticket to the round of 32, which was awarded to the top 8 teams.

Ghalenoei previously led the national team from 2006 to 2007 before managing clubs in the domestic professional league, and he began his second tenure as national team head coach in March 2023.

He led Iran to the quarterfinals in the 2007 Asian Cup and reached the semifinals in the 2023 Asian Cup.

(Photo: Getty Images)
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