Ghalenoei Retained as Iran Head Coach Through 2027 AFC Asian Cup
TEHRAN - The Football Federation of the Islamic Republic of Iran (FFIRI) has extended head coach Amir Ghalenoei’s contract until the 2027 AFC Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia.
The Football Federation of the Islamic Republic of Iran (FFIRI) has extended head coach Amir Ghalenoei’s contract until the 2027 AFC Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia, backing the experienced tactician to lead Team Melli into the continental showpiece.
The federation confirmed on Wednesday that Ghalenoei, who has been in charge since 2023 during his second spell with the national team, will continue at the helm after submitting his plans for the upcoming Asian Cup campaign.
Ghalenoei, 62, is one of Iran’s most experienced coaches and is now in his second stint with the national team. During his first spell, he guided Iran to the quarter-finals of the 2007 AFC Asian Cup, while he led Team Melli to the semi-finals in the 2023 edition after returning to the role.
Three-time Asian champions Iran, whose last continental title came in 1978, have been drawn in Group C for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup alongside Syria, Kyrgyzstan and China. The tournament will begin on January 7, with the final scheduled to be played in Riyadh on February 5.
Iran’s schedule in the Asian Cup is as follows:
January 19, 1405: Iran - China
January 19, 1405: Syria - Kyrgyzstan
January 23, 1405: Kyrgyzstan - Iran
January 24, 1405: China - Syria
January 15, 1405: Iran - Syria
January 16, 1405: Kyrgyzstan – China