The Iranian Football Federation confirmed on Sunday the extension of coach Amir Ghalenoei's contract with the national team until the Asian Cup scheduled in Saudi Arabia next January.

Ghalenoei, who led his country's team to three consecutive draws in the World Cup, narrowly failing to qualify for the knockout stages, has been in charge of the team since 2023.

Tehran Times quoted Mehdi Taj, head of the Iranian Football Federation, as saying: Mr. Ghalenoei will continue as coach of the national team. We have already received his plans for the Asian Cup.

He added: The national team camp will start soon in preparation for the next international break, and there are several planned developments for our national teams.

Ghalenoei is in his second stint coaching Iran, having led the team to the quarterfinals of the 2007 Asian Cup and to the semifinals in the 2023 edition.

Amir Ghalenoei

Iran has won the continental title three times, the last in 1978.

The next edition of the Asian Cup kicks off on January 7, with the final to be held in Riyadh on February 5. The draw placed Iran in Group C alongside Syria, Kyrgyzstan, and China.

Iran national team

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