Despite a disappointing participation in the World Cup, Amir Ghalenoei will retain his position as head coach of the Iranian national football team and will lead the Team Melli squad in the upcoming AFC Asian Cup in 2027.
World Cup Results
The Football Federation of Iran (FFIRI) confirmed that the management maintains confidence in Ghalenoei after Iran failed to advance past Group G at the World Cup. The Team Melli squad started the tournament with a 2-2 draw against New Zealand, followed by a 0-0 draw with Belgium. The final group match, which ended in a 1-1 draw with Egypt, denied Iran a victory, and the team narrowly avoided missing out on the playoff stage by not qualifying as one of the eight best third-placed teams.
Previous Failures and Support
The exit from the World Cup was another significant setback for Ghalenoei, who also did not meet expectations at the 2023 AFC Asian Cup. Iran's hopes for ending a long wait for continental triumph were dashed in the semi-finals when they lost to the host nation, Qatar.
Management Stance
Despite these results, FFIRI President Mehdi Taj publicly supported the 61-year-old coach. Taj stated: 'Mr. Ghalenoei will remain the head coach of the national team. We have already received his plans for the AFC Asian Cup.' He also announced that preparations for the next international window are about to begin, adding that 'the national team training camp for the upcoming FIFA international window will start soon. Several events are also planned for our national teams.'
