Iran coach Amir Ghalenoei during a training session ahead of the World Cup. | Photo Credit: REUTERS

Iran head coach Amir Ghalenoei knows the weight of expectation around his side, which is built around experience and tournament know-how.

Ghalenoei’s challenge will be to make it proactive enough against New Zealand and Egypt, while still retaining the defensive structure needed to contain Belgium.

The 62-year-old took up the Iranian job in 2023 and has engineered a very credible record, boasting a 68.89 win percentage.

This is Ghalenoei’s second stint with Iran after a one-year spell with the national side in 2006. He also has vast experience with multiple Iranian clubs.

Amir Ghalenoei’s record as head coach:

• Matches:751
• Wins: 387
• Draws: 228
• Losses: 287
• Win percentage: 51.53

Amir Ghalenoei’s record as Iran head coach:

• Matches: 62
• Wins: 41
• Draws: 15
• Losses: 6
• Win percentage: 66.13

What did Amir Ghalenoei say before the World Cup?

Ghalenoei spoke about the challenges faced by his Iran side before the World Cup, in the backdrop of the US-Iran conflict.

“Football is supposed to bring nations and cultures together. Whether we win, whether we lose, that’s a personal feeling we have, but football as a game is about bringing about joy. These conditions have impacted our technical focus, but I have really tried to make sure that my players focus on strategy and techniques.”

“I would like to thank the good people of Mexico, but we Iranians are accustomed to making opportunities out of hardship, and we don’t think about anything other than bringing joy to people.”

Published on Jun 15, 2026