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Italian Coach Antonio Gagliardi Abruptly Terminates Iran Contract, Returns to Europe

TEHRAN – In a surprising turn of events just months before the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Antonio Gagliardi, the Italian assistant coach of the Iran national football team, has unilaterally broken his contract with the Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran (FFIRI) and returned to his home country with immediate effect, multiple sources confirm.

Gagliardi, born 11 August 1983, was appointed in November 2025 as a key tactical lieutenant to head coach Amir Ghalenoei. His departure, described by insiders as sudden and unexpected, leaves a significant void in Team Melli’s technical staff during a critical phase of World Cup preparation.

A Decorated European Pedigree

Before his stint in Iran, Gagliardi built a formidable reputation in European football. He previously served as a match analyst and assistant coach for the Italy national team, playing an instrumental behind-the-scenes role in the Azzurri’s triumphant UEFA Euro 2020 campaign. His analytical expertise and experience at the highest levels of the international game were seen as a major coup for Iranian football.

Why Tehran? The 2026 World Cup Ambition

When Ghalenoei secured Gagliardi’s services in late 2025, the move was hailed as a strategic masterstroke. With the 2026 FIFA World Cup on the horizon, the Iranian federation sought to inject modern European tactical methodology into Team Melli. Ghalenoei publicly expressed hope that Gagliardi’s experience would “enhance Iran’s chances and add significant value to the team’s tactics and preparation,” particularly in set-piece routines and in-game adaptability against top-tier opponents.

The Break: Why Now?

While the FFIRI has yet to release an official statement, reports from Italian football journalist Gianluca Di Marzio’s network suggest that Gagliardi’s decision was prompted by a flurry of interest from Serie B clubs. According to these sources, several second-division Italian sides have offered Gagliardi the opportunity to become their head coach—a promotion from his current assistant role.

The allure of a top job in his home country, combined with reported personal and professional adjustment challenges in Iran, appears to have accelerated his decision to unilaterally terminate the agreement.

Alin Dinka, Romanian goalkeepers' coach.

What’s Next for Team Melli?

Despite this high-profile exit, the Iranian federation is moving to ensure continuity. The existing support structure for head coach Amir Ghalenoei remains in place. Team Melli’s coaching assistance will continue under the guidance of a diverse and experienced team, including:

  • Andranik Teymourian – The former Esteghlal and Bolton Wanderers midfielder, known for his leadership and tactical intelligence.
  • Rahman Rezaei – The ex-Messina and Livorno defender, who brings a wealth of Serie A defensive experience.
  • Alin Dinka : The Romanian goalkeepers coach, who previously worked for Tractor in the same capacity.
  • Saeed Alhoei – A rising figure within Iran’s coaching circles.
  • Homan Afazeli – The team’s analyst, who will now likely absorb many of the responsibilities previously held by Gagliardi.

Official Silence and Potential Fallout

As of press time, the FFIRI has neither confirmed nor denied the Italian’s departure. Legal experts note that a unilateral breach of contract could lead to financial penalties or a dispute referred to FIFA’s Dispute Resolution Chamber (DRC). However, given Gagliardi’s swift return to Europe and reported job offers, it appears the 43-year-old is willing to accept those consequences in pursuit of a head coaching role.

For Iran, the timing is far from ideal. With the 2026 World Cup draw potentially just weeks away, Ghalenoei must now rapidly recalibrate his technical team, proving once again that off-field turbulence remains an all-too-familiar companion for Team Melli on the road to the world stage.

End of Article

Iran to Face Gambia in May 2026 Friendly in Antalya

Team Melli will take on Gambia in an international friendly match on 29 May 2026 in Antalya, Turkey.

Iran have already secured their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. In contrast, Gambia have never qualified for a World Cup and currently rank 115th in the FIFA standings. This will be the first-ever meeting between the two nations at the international level.

For Iran, the friendly serves as a key preparation opportunity ahead of the world’s biggest football showpiece. Meanwhile, Gambia will use the match to gear up for their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

The game will take place at the same venue in Antalya where Iran previously faced Nigeria and Costa Rica.

According to Mehdi Taj, head of the Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran (FFIRI), discussions are also underway with the Polish Football Association to arrange an additional friendly. Taj has personally reached out to his Polish counterpart, who proposed hosting the match in Poland. However, no final agreement has been reached yet.

Iran grouped with China, Syria, and the Kyrgyz Rep. in the AFC Asian Cup 2007

The draw ceremony for the AFC Asian Cup 2027 was concluded in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Iran is grouped with China, Syria nd Kyrgyz Republic.

Team Melli will start the campaign on 9th January 2027 by facing its closest rival in the group, China.

Draw Result

Group A: Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, Palestine
Group B: Uzbekistan, Bahrain, DPR Korea, Jordan
Group C: IR Iran, Syria, Kyrgyz Republic, China PR
Group D: Australia, Tajikistan, Iraq, Singapore
Group E: Korea Republic, UAE, Vietnam, Lebanon/Yemen
Group F: Japan, Qatar, Thailand, Indonesia

GROUP C Match schedule


9 January 2027
Iran vs China
Syria vs Kyrgyz Republic.

13 January 2027
Kygyz Rep. vs Iran
China vs Syria

18 January 2027
Iran vs Syria
Kygyz Rep. vs China

Iran’s Golden Era in Focus as AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ Draw Approaches

The road to AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ glory will be paved when the Final Draw is conducted at the historic Salwa Palace in Riyadh on Saturday.

Leading Iran’s delegation will be Amir Ghalenoei, the head coach of Team Melli, accompanied by Mehdi Kharati, the executive director of the national team. Ghalenoei is set to return to Iran on Monday, once Iran’s group-stage opponents are confirmed.

The teams will be divided into six groups, setting the stage for what promises to be another thrilling continental showdown.

This marks Iran’s 16th participation in the AFC Asian Cup—a record shared with Korea Republic. China PR sits third on the all-time list, with Saudi Arabia 2027 being their 14th appearance.

Japan’s Record

No team has won the AFC Asian Cup more times than Japan, with four titles. Saudi Arabia and Iran follow closely, each having lifted the trophy three times. However, while Japan’s last triumph came in 2011 and Saudi Arabia’s in 1996, Iran’s most recent title was in 1976—the crowning moment of a dynasty unlike any other.

Unbeaten in the Final

Iran (three appearances, three wins) and Qatar (two appearances, two wins) are the only sides to have reached multiple finals and emerged victorious every time. Iraq are the other team with a perfect final record, winning the competition in their sole final appearance (2007).

A Unique Record: Iran’s Unmatched 12-Year Reign (1968–1976)

No team in Asian Cup history has ever dominated like Iran did between 1968 and 1976. In that period, Team Melli achieved three consecutive titles—a feat no other nation has managed in the tournament’s history.

What makes this run even more extraordinary is the sheer perfection of their performance. Across three tournaments, Iran played 13 matches and won all 13—a 100% record that remains untouched. They scored 36 goals while conceding just 6, an average of nearly three goals per game and less than 0.5 conceded.

The 1976 campaign was particularly imperious: Iran did not concede a single goal throughout the entire tournament, capping their triumph with a 1–0 final victory over Kuwait.

This golden era also produced the first two hat-trick heroes in Asian Cup history—Hossein Kalani and Ali Jabbari—while a legend was forged in Parviz Gheleechkhani, who remains the only player to have lifted the Asian Cup trophy three consecutive times, a record that still stands today.

For 12 unforgettable years, Iran were unbeatable, unmatched, and unforgettable.

Ahead in Numbers

Iran (74 matches) and Korea Republic (73) are the only two teams to have played more than 70 games in AFC Asian Cup history. Iran also lead the charts for most wins excluding penalty shootouts (45), while China PR (21) hold the unfortunate record of most losses excluding penalties.

Ghalenoei: Iran can do something epic

6 May 2026
fifa.com

Team Melli head coach Amir Ghalenoei tells FIFA of his belief that IR Iran can advance to the knockout stage of a World Cup for the first time this summer.

  • IR Iran are set to make their seventh FIFA World Cup appearance
  • Aiming to advance to the knockout stage for the first time
  • Vastly experienced head coach Amir Ghalenoei speaks to FIFA

Thrice continental champions and semi-finalists at the previous two editions of the Asian Cup, IR Iran are a long-established juggernaut on their home patch. Translating that continental success to global impact has though proven a tougher than expected ask.

Regular participants they may be, with the nation having qualified for five of the past six editions of the FIFA World Cup™, but Iran are still surprisingly searching for a maiden appearance in the knockout stage.

Across half a dozen tournament outings, Team Melli has made an early exit on each occasion, with only three wins from their 18 matches to date.

The belief internally is that the current side, blessed with a fine generation of experienced talent, is the one poised to finally end that run of outs, as head coach Amir Ghalenoei explains to FIFA.

IR Iran players line up prior to a FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier against United Arab Emirates

“We've had many problems recently, but the players tried their best and made sacrifices. They worked so hard [through qualification] and sacrificed a lot, so it is my job to thank them.

“They can do something epic in the World Cup. They can do it, they have the technical potential to make this a World Cup to remember.”

Situated in a group containing a trio of continental heavyweights in the form of Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand, the going certainly won’t be easy. Ghalenoei can though take comfort from a qualification campaign that his side made fairly light work of, as well as a string of solid results thereafter.

Outside of the three co-hosts, Iran were the third nation to secure qualification, doing so on 20 March last year, five days after their AFC brethren Japan became the first nation to punch their ticket to North America.

Their only defeat in those 16 AFC preliminaries came at the hands of Qatar, after qualification was already secure. Since then, they’ve reached the final of the CAFA Nations Cup and drawn with fellow World Cup-bound nations Cabo Verde and Uzbekistan at an invitational tournament in the United Arab Emirates last year.

Another invitational event, held in Türkiye last month, saw a narrow loss at the hands of Nigeria, followed by a thumping 5-0 win against Costa Rica.

Set against the backdrop of an ongoing conflict that has shuttered the domestic league, forced the national team to play abroad and created numerous logistical issues, the veteran coach is proud of his team’s resolve.

IR Iran players celebrate qualification for the FIFA World Cup 2026

“I am really proud of this team for many reasons, because we've faced a difficult situation with all the problems and concerns, one of which was being unable to host games, but we were one of the first teams to qualify for the World Cup.

“Iran has a special talent whereby in tough times we find or create solutions. We managed to get to this level in spite of a difficult situation. Currently, there are two months to go until the World Cup, but we are in very difficult moment.

“My view though is that through football we can bring joy to families and Iranian society, both inside and outside the country. Football is a concept or project that can bring states and nations closer together. That can be national or global, like Argentina or Brazil having fans everywhere.

“Football in Iran is also like that and I hope that through football we can bring about national unity, despite the current problems in our country. We love our people and want to bring them happiness. I hope we can do that through football.

“My goal is for there to be no war anywhere in the world so people can enjoy football and enjoy their lives. This is my message through football to the world and my people.”

Born in Tehran, Ghalenoei has been at the coalface of Iranian football for close to half a century. As a player, he began his youth career at Rah Ahan, just a year after Iran’s debut World Cup outing, at Argentina 1978.

The bulk of his playing days were spent at Tehran giants Esteghlal, where the former midfielder earned more than a dozen national team caps, before transitioning into coaching in 1999, a year after Iran ended a 20-year wait to make a second World Cup appearance.

IR Iran coach Amir Ghalenoei gestures during a FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier with United Arab Emirates

Now 62, there is little that Ghalenoei hasn’t experienced in a career that has risen and fallen with the concurrent highs and lows of Iranian football.

Set against that vast well of experience, it is notable that, in spite of the obstacles the team faces, Ghalenoei is adamant that Iran has the capability to write a new chapter in their footballing history this northern summer.

“We want to create some great memories at this World Cup. We're ready with the experience that the team has from previous World Cups to make it through to the knock-out round for the first time. We won't be satisfied with just the group stage but I want us to play good football, not just try to get results.

“I also want to thank our wonderful fans, both inside and outside the country, who have stuck by the national team. They are the reason we managed to qualify. I probably had the least important role of anyone.”

Team Melli plays a competitive Intra-Squad Match.

TEHRAN The Iranian national football team continued its training camp for the FIFA World Cup 2026 with a second intra-squad friendly match on Wednesday, May 6, held at Tehran’s Dastgerdi Stadium. The Red team emerged as the clear victor, defeating the White team 3-1 in a competitive and revealing encounter.

The training match saw the squad divided into two sides, Red and White, as head coach Amir Ghalenoei seeks to assess player readiness and tactical combinations ahead of upcoming international commitments.

The Red team broke the deadlock in the 52nd minute with a moment of individual brilliance. Saleh Hardani connected cleanly on a superb volley that left the White goalkeeper with no chance, putting the Reds ahead 1-0.

Just one minute later, in the 53rd minute, the Reds doubled their lead. Payam Nezamd, the White team’s goalkeeper, attempted to intercept a dangerous advance by Hadi Habibinejad but misjudged the situation. Habibinejad capitalized on the error to slot home the second goal for the Red team.

The Reds continued to dominate possession and chances, and in the 73rd minute, they added a third. Following a corner kick, defender Roozbeh Cheshmi rose highest to direct a powerful header into the net. The goal was facilitated by another mistake from White goalkeeper Payam Nezamd, whose poorly timed exit from his goal line left Cheshmi with a relatively easy finish.

The White team refused to bow out quietly, however, and managed a late consolation. In the 89th minute, Amirhossein Mahmoudi fired a well-placed shot past Alireza Beiranvand—the Red team’s goalkeeper—to make the final score 3-1..

Lineups

White Team: Seyed Payam Nezamd (GK), Shoja Khalilzadeh, Aref Aghasi, Daniyal Esmailifar, Ehsan Hajsafi, Aref Hajieidi, Amir Mohammad Razaghinia, Amir Hossein Mahmoudi, Mehdi Torabi, Amir Hossein Hosseinzadeh, Kasra Taheri.

Red Team: Alireza Beiranvand (GK), Mohammad Hossein Kanaanizadegan, Ali Nemati, Saleh Hardani, Milad Mohammadi, Roozbeh Cheshmi, Omid Noorafkan, Aria Yousefi, Mehdi Hashemnejad, Hadi Habibinejad, Ali Alipour.

The intra-squad match served as the second such exercise under the watchful eye of Amir Ghalenoei and his technical staff, who are carefully evaluating players fitness and form while collecting performance metrics. The team will continue its preparatory program with a training camp in Turkey, with the squad scheduled to depart on May 15 for further drills and potential friendly matches before their next official fixtures.

Team Melli's Star Ali Gholizadeh Suffers Severe Knee Injury, World Cup Hopes in Jeopardy

TEHRAN – In a devastating blow for both club and country, Iranian national team winger Ali Gholizadeh sustained a serious left knee injury during Lech Poznan’s Polish Ekstraklasa clash against Motor Lublin. Polish sports outlets have since reported that the 28-year-old is likely to miss the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Lech Poznan secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Motor Lublin in the 31st week of the Polish league. Gholizadeh, who started the match, was involved in a distressing incident just 16 minutes into the game.

The unfortunate event unfolded when Gholizadeh leapt over an opposing player from Motor Lublin. Upon landing, he collided awkwardly with another defender, causing his left knee to buckle severely under his weight. The player immediately collapsed to the turf and, despite several agonizing moments, was unable to rise. Teammates and medical staff quickly rushed to his side, with visible concern on their faces , especially given the proximity of the upcoming World Cup.

Polish outlet Interia reported that the initial assessments are alarming. “The nature of the non-contact landing and the immediate reaction of the player suggest a potential cruciate ligament injury,” the site noted. “It appears that Gholizadeh could face a prolonged period on the sidelines, effectively ruling him out of the 2026 World Cup.”

Lech Poznan has yet to release an official medical statement, but sources close to the club fear the worst. The Iranian national team medical staff has reportedly been in contact with their Polish counterparts.

A Painful Déjà Vu

The timing of the injury is especially cruel. Gholizadeh was a key member of Team Melli under Carlos Queiroz during the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. In Iran’s historic Group B match against England, which ended 6-2 in favor of the Three Lions, Gholizadeh delivered a moment of pride for Iranian football. It was his precise cross from the right wing that found Mehdi Taremi, who scored Iran’s first goal of the tournament, a strike that briefly silenced the packed Khalifa International Stadium.

Since then, Gholizadeh has remained a consistent performer for both his club and country, known for his dribbling ability, pace, and work rate. His potential absence would leave a significant gap on Iran’s right flank as they prepare for the 2026 World Cup, where they are expected to face top-tier opposition.

What’s Next?

Gholizadeh is expected to undergo an MRI scan in the coming days to determine the full extent of the damage. If a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is confirmed, recovery typically takes six to nine months, making a summer 2026 return impossible. Iranian fans and pundits are anxiously awaiting official news, but early signs point to a heartbreaking setback.

For now, the entire Iranian football community holds its breath, hoping for a less severe diagnosis—but preparing for the worst.

Taj was allowed into Canada but returned back in protest.

May 1 (Reuters) - Iranian soccer federation president Mehdi Taj said Canadian officials cleared him to enter the country for the FIFA Congress, but Iran’s delegation chose to turn back after being held for three hours and questioned at a Toronto airport, Iranian media reported on Friday.

Taj, a former member of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), said he was questioned by Canadian immigration about his ties to the group, but was ultimately allowed into the country for the pre-World Cup gathering in Vancouver.

Canadian authorities have said members of the IRGC are prohibited from entering the country, which is set to co-host the World Cup from June along with the United States and Mexico.

"We all had visas and were even checked in Turkey. They told us they had questions for you and asked if we were members of the IRGC," Iran's semi-official news agency Tasnim quoted Taj as saying.

"We told them that there are 90 million IRGC members in Iran. They said that we don’t allow people from this organisation in. They said that it is the laws of our country.

"After a while, they said you can enter but we decided to return. They didn’t deport us and we decided to return ourselves… I told the Canadians that you kept us at the airport for three hours, you made us wait for nothing."

Reuters has contacted Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, which issues visas to travel to the country, for comment.

Taj said FIFA president Gianni Infantino had offered to send a jet to take the Iranian delegation to Canada after they returned to Turkey, but they refused.

"I told the FIFA secretary general (Mattias Grafstrom) that you are intimidated by America and that you say 'yes sir' to whatever they say," he said.

Reuters has reached out to FIFA for comment.

Infantino insisted on Thursday that Iran would play World Cup matches in the United States, despite tensions between the two countries since the U.S. and Israel launched a war against Iran in February. FIFA earlier rejected Tehran's request for alternative venues for matches on U.S. soil.

"We need to hold a meeting with FIFA officials to ensure that if we are to come to the World Cup, there should be no side issues and controversies for our team," Taj said about Iran's participation.

Amir Ghalenoei

Ghalenoei Details Iran’s Grueling Path to World Cup Readiness Amid Domestic League Suspension

Tehran, Iran – Amir Ghalenoei, the head coach of the Iranian national football team (Team Melli), has offered a candid assessment of his squad’s preparations for the upcoming World Cup, revealing the significant challenges posed by the suspension of the domestic Premier League.

Speaking at the conclusion of an intra-team friendly match, Ghalenoei did not shy away from the difficulties his players have faced. “The national team’s training camp began under the most demanding of circumstances,” he stated. “The Premier League was suspended, and as a result, the players were far from their ideal physical condition.”

The coach went on to highlight specific shortcomings that have emerged during the early stages of training. “We have identified several weaknesses in our performance data,” Ghalenoei explained. “Most notably, we are falling short of global benchmarks when it comes to physical fitness and conditioning.” This admission underscores the uphill battle the coaching staff faces in bridging the gap with top-tier international opponents.

To combat this, Ghalenoei revealed that the team’s current training regimen is deliberately intense. “We have designed the exercises to maintain a high level of pressure on the players,” he said. “The goal is to ensure they reach full physical fitness precisely by the time we begin our next training camp in Turkey.” Despite the grueling schedule, the head coach praised his squad’s mentality. “The players are highly motivated and putting in tremendous effort. Looking ahead, conditions will improve once our legionnaire [overseas-based] players join the national team. With their addition, we hope to conduct training even more efficiently.”

Ghalenoei also provided a detailed roadmap of Team Melli’s travel and preparation plans. “We will depart for Turkey on May 12 and remain there for approximately twenty days,” he confirmed. During their stay in Turkey, the team is exploring options for a high-profile warm-up match. “If possible, we will arrange a training match in the United States,” Ghalenoei said, outlining two potential timelines. “We will travel to the United States about 14 to 15 days before the start of the World Cup. However, if a training match there, is not feasible, we will still head to the U.S. ten days prior to the tournament.”

These comments reveal a logistical balancing act for the Iranian federation, as they seek to secure crucial friendly matches while managing player fatigue and travel demands. With domestic football on hold, Ghalenoei’s focus remains squarely on sharpening his team’s physical edge and integrating his European-based stars in time for the world’s biggest stage.

FIFA confirms Iran will play World Cup matches in United States

  • FIFA president Gianni Infantino confirms Iran’s participation at the 2026 World Cup
  • Iran will play all scheduled matches in the United States despite political tensions
  • Immigration issues disrupted Iran’s FIFA Congress attendance but did not affect tournament plans

Gianni Infantino has reaffirmed that Iran national football team will compete in the 2026 FIFA World Cup and play its scheduled matches in the United States.

Speaking at the FIFA Congress, Infantino emphasized the importance of unity through football.

“Of course, Iran will be participating at the FIFA World Cup 2026, and of course Iran will play in the United States of America,” he said. “The reason for that is very simple, dear friends, is because we have to unite. We have to bring people together. It is my responsibility.”

The confirmation comes amid recent complications involving Iran’s delegation, which faced issues entering Canada for the FIFA Congress. Anita Anand described the denial of entry as “unintentional,” while reports indicated that some Iranian representatives chose not to attend after one member was turned away.

Despite those issues, FIFA maintained its stance that there are no grounds to suspend or exclude Iran from the tournament.

Infantino reiterated that there are “no suspended member associations or any grounds for expulsion,” dismissing speculation about relocating Iran’s matches to other host nations such as Canada or Mexico.
Donald Trump also signaled support, stating he was comfortable with Iran’s participation if FIFA approved it, despite earlier comments raising concerns about safety due to geopolitical tensions.

Iran is set to begin its campaign in Group G on June 15 against New Zealand national football team at SoFi Stadium. They will then face Egypt national football team in Seattle before returning to Inglewood to play Belgium national football team.

FIFA’s position remains clear that the tournament schedule will proceed as planned, with Iran fully included despite ongoing political challenges.
Iran's delegation to FIFA Annual Congress was denied entry into Canada by immigration authorities. Mehdi Taj and Hedayat Mombini were Iran's representatives. Both returned to Iran via Turkey without attending the congress in Vancouver