Iran rewards Amir Ghalenoei for extending 2027 Asia Cup, spurring FIFA World Cup campaign | Football News
After an inspiring journey to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Iran have decided to keep their faith in head coach Amir Ghalenoei and extend his contract until the 2027 AFC Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia.According to Reuters, the Football Federation of the Islamic Republic of Iran (FFIRI) confirmed that Gallenoui will remain in charge of the team after reviewing his plans for the continental championship.“Mr. Gallenoui will continue to serve as the head coach of the national team,” Iranian Football Association Chairman Mehdi Taji was quoted as saying by the Tehran Times. “We have received his plans for the AFC Asian Cup.”Taj Mahal also confirmed that preparations for the next FIFA international window will begin soon, with the Iranian national team planning to develop further.The decision comes after Gallenoui guided Iran through a challenging but forgettable World Cup tour in the United States, where the Melli side crashed out in the group stages despite going unbeaten.
Three draws, Team Melli does not qualify for the knockout rounds
The Iranian team was placed in Group G and performed strongly against the world’s top teams, drawing three consecutive games. However, their three-point total was not enough to secure one of the eight available spots for the best third-place team.Iran drew 2-2 with New Zealand and then had a goalless draw with Belgium. In the final group stage, they drew 1-1 with Egypt, ranking third and ending their World Cup journey.The game is particularly demanding off the pitch. Due to visa-related complications, Iran will host the training camp in Tijuana, Mexico, rather than the United States. The team had to make multiple cross-border trips to Los Angeles and Seattle for games.The players are also under the emotional pressure of representing a country dealing with civil strife, making their unbeaten record all the more important.
Experienced Gallenoui will challenge for the Asian Cup
The 62-year-old Gallenoy is one of Iran’s most experienced coaches and is currently playing for the national team for the second time. From 2006 to 2007, he led the Iranian team to the quarter-finals of the 2007 AFC Asian Cup for the first time.After returning as head coach in 2023, he further strengthened his credentials by leading Iran to the semi-finals of the 2023 Asian Cup.Three-time Asian champions Iran, which last won the continental title in 1978, will now turn their attention to the 2027 AFC Asian Cup. They are in Group C with Syria, Kyrgyzstan and China.The competition will begin on January 7, with the final scheduled to be held in Riyadh on February 5.
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