During the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Mexico, Iran's team finished with three draws in their group matches and failed to qualify. However, despite facing pressure and targeting from the host country of the United States, the Iranian team demonstrated remarkable perseverance. According to a report by Reuters on July 12, the Iranian Football Federation confirmed that Garenoe would continue to coach the national team, leading the team to participate in the Asian Cup scheduled to begin in January next year.
Iran Football Federation President Mehdi Taji said in a statement: "Mr. Galanoe will continue to be the national team coach. We have received his plan for the AFC Asian Cup. The national team will conduct training sessions during the international competition window period, and we have also developed some development plans for the national team."
Galeano began coaching the Iranian national team in 2006, but during the 2007 Asian Cup, the Iran team was defeated by South Korea in the quarter-finals. After that, the Iranian Football Federation did not renew his contract. In 2023, Galeano returned to coach the Iranian national team, leading them to win the first Central Asian Nations Cup, and they reached the semi-finals of the 2023 Asian Cup.
The 2026 U.S.-Canada-Mexico World Cup: The Iranian team finished with three draws in three group matches, ranking third in Group G and failing to advance to the knockout stage.
Iran national team head coach Garelnoe IC photo
However, during this World Cup, the Iranian team faced a series of pressures and targeting from the host country, the United States. The players did not receive their US visa until just before the tournament started, and they also encountered strict checks upon entering the country. After the second round of group matches, Galeno revealed that the team had less than 16 hours to prepare for the entire tournament, and only half of the usual tactical training could be completed.
Although the Iranian team ultimately stopped in the group stage, the resilience shown by this team both on and off the field still left a significant mark on this World Cup.
The 2027 Asian Cup will be held from January 7 to February 5 next year. Iran, Syria, Kyrgyzstan, and China are in Group C. Historically, the Iranian team has won the Asian Cup three times, with the most recent victory occurring in 1976.
