Tag: Belgium

Guide to Group G at World Cup 2026

Guide to Group G at World Cup 2026

Dan Goldfarb/The Athletic By The Athletic UK Staff

Dec. 5, 2025Updated Dec. 6, 2025 9:41 pm GMT+3

The World Cup draw is complete and Belgium, Egypt, Iran and New Zealand have been drawn together in Group G.

How did the teams qualify? How do the different countries play? And who are the key protagonists in the group?

Group G

Games in: Los Angeles, Seattle, Vancouver, Canada

See full draw results

The schedule: Games, venues, dates and kick-off times

Matchday 1

  • Monday, June 15: Iran vs New Zealand (9pm ET, 6pm PT, 2am BST+1) — SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles
  • Monday, June 15: Belgium vs Egypt (3pm ET, 12pm PT, 8pm BST) — Lumen Field, Seattle

Matchday 2

  • Sunday, June 21: Belgium vs Iran (3pm ET, 12pm PT, 8pm BST) — SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles
  • Sunday, June 21: New Zealand vs Egypt (9pm ET, 6pm PT, 2am BST+1) — BC Place, Vancouver

Matchday 3

  • Friday, June 26: Egypt vs Iran (11pm ET, 8pm PT, 4am BST+1) — Lumen Field, Seattle
  • Friday, June 26: New Zealand vs Belgium (11pm ET, 8pm PT, 4am BST+1) — BC Place, Vancouver

Belgium

Dan Mullan/Getty Images

How did they qualify?

With relative ease. Despite two draws against North Macedonia and another with Kazakhstan delaying the inevitable, Belgium still went unbeaten across their eight games.

It was never going to be a tough group for Belgium, given it’s been a decade since they last lost a World Cup or European Championship qualifying game. That defeat came against Wales, but the Belgians paid them back in this qualification competition. The Welsh were their closest challengers for top spot, and will be in the UEFA playoffs in March, but got beaten 4-3 and then 4-2 in the two meetings.

What is their World Cup pedigree?

Belgium first made a dent in a World Cup in 1986, finishing fourth. Argentina’s Diego Maradona prevented them reaching the final but Enzo Scifo was named the young player of the tournament, before helping them get out of the group stage again four years later.

It was not until the 2014 World Cup that Belgium were considered a powerful nation once more but they lost to Argentina again in the quarter-finals that year and then at Russia 2018, when they were among the favourites, they lost to eventual champions France beat them in the semi-finals. Both 1-0 defeats were seen as missed opportunities for a team of such quality. Belgium’s failure to make it out of the group in 2022 was widely regarded as the end of that chapter for a golden generation of players who had grown old together.

Who is the coach?

Rudi Garcia. The Frenchman took over in January from Domenico Tedesco, who failed to build on Roberto Martinez’s six-year tenure, half of which they spent in first place in the FIFA world rankings.

Garcia, who oversaw a 4-3 aggregate play-off victory against Ukraine in March to keep Belgium in the top tier of the UEFA Nations League, made his name in club management by winning the French title with Lille in 2011 and finishing second in Italy’s Serie A twice with Roma in 2014 and 2015. Known for his attractive style of play, he also took Lyon to the Champions League semi-finals in 2020 by beating Manchester City but his star has faded in recent years after Napoli’s form dropped off after he was appointed in summer 2023.

The 61-year-old Frenchman’s previous role had been at Saudi Pro League club Al Nassr, but the two parties mutually parted ways after 10 months with the team trailing Al Ittihad in the table and reports of an uneasy relationship between Garcia and star player Cristiano Ronaldo.

How do they play?

Garcia has stuck with a 4-3-3 shape so far, in contrast with Tedesco’s regular switches of formation. Right-back Thomas Meunier has praised how he has breathed fresh optimism into the group with a major focus on possession and counter-pressing. Garcia has been bold in giving opportunities to several new faces, including Rangers midfielder Nicolas Raskin and Club Brugge full-back Joaquin Seys.

Other defenders, such as Sporting CP’s Zeno Debast, Koni De Winter of Milan and Brighton & Hove Albion’s Maxim De Cuyper are taking on the mantle left by the ‘golden generation’ back line featuring Vincent Kompany, Toby Alderweireld, Jan Vertonghen and Thomas Vermaelen. Garcia is blessed in terms of his wide options. Jeremy Doku, Leandro Trossard, Charles De Ketelaere, Alexis Saelemaekers and Malick Fofana have all been utilised, but it is Doku who is emerging as the key threat.

Who is their key player?

Doku. The 23-year-old Manchester City winger has taken a step up at club level this season and looks to be taking on more responsibility with Belgium, too. He started all eight games during qualification, scoring five goals and assisting three, as he switched between the left and right flanks. Napoli midfielder Kevin De Bruyne, once he returns from the serious hamstring injury suffered in late October, could still be their talisman with his vision as a passer but is slowing down at age 34 (he’ll turn 35 during the World Cup). Doku is the player Belgium look to feed most often now, because of his unrivalled one-v-one ability.

What else should we know about them?

They have Thibaut Courtois back in goal after his controversial refusal to play under Tedesco. The Real Madrid goalkeeper fell out with their previous manager and said in August 2024 that he would not add to his then total of 102 caps as long as he remained in the job. Fortunately for Courtois, he only had to wait just over six months and was brought back into the fold post-Euros after talks with new coach Garcia. However, Belgium have had internal problems previously, with big-name players such as De Bruyne and Vertonghen clashing at the last World Cup over the midfielder’s comments about their aging defence.

Jordan Campbell

Egypt

NurPhoto via Getty Images

How did they qualify?

Egypt did not lose a single game in Group A in the African qualifiers, winning eight and drawing twice.

However, they only confirmed their qualification in October, by topping the group after beating Djibouti 3-0 with two goals from Mohamed Salah.

Burkina Faso were tailing them throughout the qualifiers, but the 0-0 draw between the sides in Ouagadougou in September maintained Egypt’s five-point gap and solidified their status at the top of the group.

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What is their World Cup pedigree?

Despite being the first Arab and African nation to participate in the World Cup, in 1934, Egypt has never won a match at the tournament.

Granted, they only qualified two times after that, in 1990 and 2018, with World Cup qualification being a hoodoo in the period in between. Egypt were pitted in the group of death in the 2002 and 2006 qualifiers, lost a tie-breaker against Algeria in 2009, and broke down against Ghana in the play-off round of the 2014 qualifiers.

The 2018 edition was a disappointment, with Salah entering the tournament injured and the team losing their three matches in the group stage.

Who is the coach?

The legendary striker, Hossam Hassan.

The three-time AFCON winner is one of the best centre-forwards in Egypt’s history. He holds the record for the most goals scored for the national team (69) and is only bettered by Ahmed Hassan (no relation) in terms of the number of appearances.

Hassan, who played in the 1990 World Cup, won numerous domestic trophies alongside the CAF Champions League in 2002 with Zamalek.

However, he had to cross the biggest divide in Egyptian football to join Zamalek. As a young player, Hassan was brought up through Al Ahly’s youth ranks, and went on to become one of the best players in the club’s history.

His managerial career has mainly been inside Egypt, apart from a brief spell with Jordan’s national team in 2013-14.

How do they play?

In their 4-3-3, Salah and Manchester City’s Omar Marmoush flank the front line. It is therefore understandable why Egypt focus on attacking the wide areas, with Salah having the freedom to drop and roam.

Zizo operates as the right-sided midfielder, and his attacking profile complements Salah’s tendency to drop and create from midfield.

The left No 8 role has recently been occupied by Trezeguet, but Emam Ashour’s return from injury might alter the team’s starting line-up.

Ashour’s profile is more suited to the midfield role, and he offers something different than the ex-Aston Villa winger.

Who is their key player?

The man needs no introduction.

Salah has been the key player in Egypt’s national team for many years now, and unlike other Egyptian legends, he has not played with the strongest of squads.

Despite that, he managed to guide Egypt to the 2018 World Cup, ending the country’s 28-year wait to appear at the finals. However, the Liverpool forward’s shoulder injury in the 2018 Champions League final against Real Madrid affected the national team going into the tournament.

Then, his penalty miss in the shootout in the play-off round against Senegal in 2022 harmed Egypt’s chance of reaching the 2022 World Cup.

In 2026, he will be hoping to help open a new page in his country’s World Cup history.

What else should we know about them?

By the World Cup, Salah might be in position to surpass his head coach as the top goalscorer in Egypt’s history.

Currently, Salah is on 63 goals – six away from Hassan – and can increase his tally in the upcoming AFCON.

Yet, it would be a greater achievement if Salah can couple that with winning AFCON and helping Egypt reach the knockout stage of the World Cup for the first time in their history.

Ahmed Walid

Iran

Markus Gillar/Getty Images

How did they qualify?

There were a few bumps along the way and some unconvincing performances, but ultimately Iran made it through without too many alarms and with two games to spare — their only defeat of the entire 16-match, two-round qualifying campaign came against Qatar, after safe passage had already been sealed.

What is their World Cup pedigree?

This will be their fourth World Cup in a row, meaning they will have now participated in more tournaments since 2014 than in their entire history before that. Iran are yet to make it past the group stage, though, with their best performance coming in 2018, when they dramatically beat Morocco and drew with Portugal but a narrow defeat by Spain kept them from the knockouts. Last time, they were comfortably beaten by England and the United States, their only success coming thanks to goals in the 98th and 101st minutes against a Wales side down to 10 men by that stage.

Who is the coach?

This will be their first World Cup since 2006 without Carlos Queiroz in the dugout, his successor Amir Ghalenoei having taken over for a second spell in charge following that 2022 World Cup. On paper, Ghalenoei’s record is pretty good: qualification was relatively straightforward and his win percentage is up in the 70s. But there is plenty of dissatisfaction with his approach, not least that he still relies on the old guard — players in their thirties such as Alireza Jahanbakhsh and former Brentford midfielder Saman Ghoddos.

How do they play?

Do not expect attractive, expansive football. Under Queiroz, they were very solid: no frills, two banks of four with a couple of forwards, usually Mehdi Taremi and Sardar Azmoun. It largely worked, and it continues to work in terms of results, but there has been a desire to offer something slightly more interesting and attacking, which in theory should have come with a younger generation of players emerging, but neither has really materialised.

Who is their key player?

It is still probably Taremi, now scoring goals for Greek champions Olympiacos after a season in Italy with Inter. It will be fascinating to see how they deal with Jahanbakhsh if he does not find a club before the tournament starts. On talent, he would still probably be in their strongest team, but surely they cannot pick someone who, by the time Iran’s first group game kicks off in June, will not have played club football for over a year. In terms of young talent, watch out for midfielder Mohammad Hosseinnejad and striker Kasra Taheri.

What else should we know about them?

Of all the teams at the tournament who will have to deal with outside distractions, Iran surely have the most. The issue of how many of their fans will even be allowed into the United States to watch their games is something that will run and run from now until the whole thing starts in June. And also remember that at the previous World Cup three years ago, Iran’s players protested against the repression of protests back home. Will all of that be too much for them to actually perform as they can?

Nick Miller

New Zealand

Sebastian Frej/Getty Images

How did they qualify?

Since Australia became Asian for footballing purposes ahead of South Africa 2010, New Zealand are the game’s big hitters in Oceania. A bye into the second stage of that confederation’s qualifying competition for the side ranked 86th in the world by FIFA, was followed by three wins from three, 19 goals scored and one conceded as New Zealand breezed past Tahiti, Vanuatu and Samoa. A 7-0 thrashing of Fiji in a third-phase semi-final and then a 3-0 defeat of New Caledonia sealed their World Cup place at a canter.

What is their World Cup pedigree?

Modest. This will be New Zealand’s third appearance at the finals, though each has represented progress of various kinds. Their debut came in 1982, the first edition that was expanded from 16 teams to 24. It started with New Zealand’s first World Cup goals, coming in a 5-2 opening defeat by Scotland. Their group-stage exit was sealed by defeats to the Soviet Union (3-0) and Brazil (4-0). Then in 2010, Winston Reid’s stoppage-time equaliser against Slovakia gave them their first World Cup point. They also led a match in the finals for the first time, during a 1-1 draw against Italy, before finishing third in their four-team group after a goalless draw with Paraguay. New Zealand were the only team to finish that South Africa World Cup unbeaten (eventual winners Spain ost their opening group match against Switzerland).

Who is the coach?

Darren Bazeley will be familiar to some Watford fans. The English-born full-back made almost 300 appearances for that club to begin a senior playing career during which he eventually swapped EFL side Walsall for the Auckland-based New Zealand Knights in the Australian A-League 20 years ago. His subsequent coaching career led him to joining the New Zealand setup as under-17s assistant in 2009 — his only break from the national team since being a stint in MLS with Colorado Rapids and A-League at Newcastle Jets. Come July 2023, Bazeley was appointed New Zealand’s head coach for this World Cup cycle, while simultaneously leading the under-23s at the 2024 Olympics. Bazeley’s side were knocked out in the group stage there, finishing behind the United States and hosts France, who went on to win silver medals.

How do they play?

Despite New Zealand’s limited resources and lowly FIFA ranking, Bazeley has his side trying to play possession football. They use a 4-2-3-1 formation and look to build up without the default option of whacking long balls up to the obvious focal point of Nottingham Forest striker Chris Wood. A 1-0 defeat in Poland and 1-1 draw in Norway — albeit the latter was against a team without Erling Haaland — during their two October friendlies showed this team can make that plan work to a point. The greater difficulty was taking the chances they did create, especially when falling to someone other than their No 9. Wood’s involvement in those two friendlies was limited to 68 minutes.

Who is their key player?

A very simple answer to this. Shall we say it all together? Yes, it’s Wood. The 33-year-old, long-time Premier League striker with West Brom, Leicester, Burnley, Newcastle and now Forest is New Zealand’s highest-profile player, the country’s all-time leading scorer with 45 goals and the joint highest appearance-maker alongside former Eredivisie defender Ivan Vicelich, with 88. The tall, rangy, dangerous finisher is also their captain. Wood has already been prolific in the English top flight, and has scored at European level this season. Come the summer, he will aim to get his first goal at a World Cup.

What else should we know about them?

New Zealand’s All Whites nickname came about when the team appeared in a — no prizes here — all-white kit for the first time in the lead-up to that World Cup debut in Spain. No surprises either that it is a soccer counterpoint to the continuing legend of New Zealand’s rather more successful All Blacks rugby union squad. However, in recent years there have been discussions over cultural diversity and representation, and whether the name should continue to be used. More colourful kits for match officials in modern football at least ensure New Zealand can have an all-black change strip these days.

Amir Ghalenoei

WORLD CUP 2026: NO MORE EXCUSES. GHALENOEI’S “GOLDEN DRAW” DEMANDS HISTORY.

The lot is cast. The path is clear. For Iran’s Team Melli, the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw wasn’t just favorable—it was a screaming mandate from destiny itself.

Group G: Belgium. Egypt. New Zealand.

This is the draw Head Coach Amir Ghalenoei practically conjured in his sleep. Now, his grand, repeated promise—to finally smash the 48-year curse and reach the knockout stages—isn’t just a coach’s hopeful chatter. It’s a blood contract with 85 million expectant souls. There are no more shadows to hide in. The spotlight is white-hot and fixed squarely on him and his squad.

The Equation is Brutally Simple:
Belgium is the Goliath. New Zealand is the appetizer. Egypt is the DOOR. That single, 90-minute battle against the Pharaohs is the gate to history. Win that, and the promised land is in sight. Stumble, and the “golden generation” becomes another footnote in a chronicle of heartbreak.

Forget “What If.” This is “What Must Be.”

Ghalenoei wanted this. He called it. Now he must own it. The excuses of “groups of death” are gone. The lament of impossible odds is silenced. This group is a corridor, not a cage. Belgium’s glittering stars—Doku, Trossard, Lukaku—are a test, not a death sentence. Egypt’s Mohamed Salah is a challenge to be neutralized, not a myth to be feared.

The Pathways to Glory (or Infamy):

  • Finish Second. Slay the Dragon. Do the job. Beat Egypt, handle New Zealand, and you’ll likely face the USA in a Round of 16 firestorm dripping with a quarter-century of geopolitical tension. It’s the blockbuster the world wants and the trial by fire Iran needs to prove it belongs.
  • Win the Group. Seize the Throne. Shock Belgium, and the tournament cracks wide open. A smoother path emerges, daring the nation to dream not of one win, but of a quarter-final run.
  • Squeak Through Third. Walk Through Hell. The coward’s path. It likely means France in the last 16, then Germany. A brutal, glorious slaughterhouse.

The calculus is clear. Second place is the only acceptable answer. Third is a nervous disgrace. First is a statement that would echo for decades.

This is it. The perfect storm of opportunity, talent, and timing. The draw has handed Iran a blade sharp enough to cut through its own history of anguish. The question is no longer about possibility. It’s about nerve. Does Team Melli have the cold-blooded fortitude to grip that blade, look Egypt—and its own haunted past—in the eye, and finally, finally, carve its name into the next round?

Ghalenoei made the promise. The football gods have delivered the stage. Now, Iran must deliver the blood, sweat, and glory. No more excuses. No more “next time.” The clock starts now.

World Cup 2026 Draw: Iran’s Golden Opportunity in a Tantalizing Group G

The path for Iran’s historic quest to reach the knockout stages of a FIFA World Cup for the first time since 1978 has been revealed. Drawn into Group G for the 2026 tournament alongside Belgium, Egypt, and New Zealand, Team Melli finds itself in a promising, yet delicately balanced, constellation.

On paper, this is arguably the most favorable draw Iran could have hoped for from Pot 3. Avoiding global powerhouses and continental giants, the group presents a clear hierarchy and a defined target: second place.

The Hierarchical Favorite: A Belgian Juggernaut

At the summit sits Belgium, the undeniable frontrunner. A nation brimming with elite talent, they represent Iran’s most formidable challenge. Stars like the creative force of Leandro Trossard (Arsenal), the electrifying Jérémy Doku (Manchester City), and the prolific Romelu Lukaku (Napoli) form an attack capable of breaching any defense.

For Iran, this matchup is a dual threat. Not only is it a first-ever meeting at any level, posing tactical unknowns, but it also starkly highlights Team Melli’s most significant vulnerability: a historically inconsistent and vulnerable defensive line. Containing Belgium will require peak organization, discipline, and likely a game plan built on resilient defending and exploiting rare counter-attacking opportunities. A point against the Belgians would be a monumental result; the primary objective will be to keep the goal difference intact.

The Decisive Duel: Iran vs. Egypt for Progression

The pivotal battle in Group G will almost certainly be the clash between Iran and Egypt. This is the match that will likely determine which nation advances alongside Belgium. The Pharaohs, record seven-time African champions, present a fascinating paradox.

While they have experienced a slide in consistency under new manager Hossam Hassan, they possess the ultimate wildcard: Mohamed Salah (Liverpool). Alongside the rising talent of Omar Marmoush (Manchester City), Egypt boasts individual brilliance that can single-handedly decide matches. Iran’s task is clear: neutralize these threats. The midfield battle will be crucial, requiring Iran to control the tempo and deny service to Egypt’s star forwards. A draw here would be a setback; victory would place Iran’s destiny firmly in its own hands.

The Presumed Must-Win: Navigating New Zealand

Completing the group is New Zealand. While the All Whites are a physically robust and organized side, they represent a matchup where anything less than three points would severely damage Iran’s progression hopes. Iran’s historical advantage (undefeated in previous meetings) and New Zealand’s lack of week-in, week-out high-level competition in the OFC confederation are tangible factors in Team Melli’s favor.

However, underestimating New Zealand would be a grave mistake. Their athleticism and set-piece prowess demand utmost respect. This match is where Iran must demonstrate the clinical edge and tactical maturity that has sometimes been lacking in past World Cups.

The Road Ahead: Beyond the Paper Advantage

Labeling this a “golden opportunity” is accurate, but the real work begins now. To transform this favorable draw into history, Team Melli must address deep-seated challenges in the coming months:

  • Tactical Cohesion: Coach Ghalenoei must devise a flexible system—one that can withstand Belgian pressure, wrestle control from Egypt, and break down a stubborn New Zealand.
  • Defensive Solidity: Fixing the frail defense is non-negotiable. This requires identifying a stable backline and cultivating an understanding that can survive 90 minutes against the world’s best.
  • Mental Fortitude: The weight of 48 years of knockout-stage absence is heavy. The team must cultivate a winning mentality, replacing fear with belief in high-stakes moments.
  • Administrative Stability: Off-field harmony and unwavering support from the football federation are essential to provide the team with an optimal environment to prepare.

Conclusion: Group G is a gift of chance, but advancement will be earned through preparation, precision, and passion. The dream is alive and well. For the first time in generations, the path for Iran to make World Cup history is not just a hope—it’s a clear and achievable mission.

Kaveh Rezaei is a free agent.

The Belgian club OH Leuven has announced that it will not renew Kaveh Rezaei’s contract and that the Iranian striker will soon join a team outside the Belgian league.

According to sport website, Sportal, Kaveh Rezaei is now a free agent. The leaders of the OH Leuven decided against contract extension due to several reasons. Rezaei never proved himself in Leuven and failed to score even a single goal in 13 games, after which a broken leg ended the season prematurely for Team Melli forward.

  • Rezaei last made an appearance in a First Division A-game on February 9, playing only 10 minutes for OH Leuven versus Genk in a 2-1 win. This season he has registered one league assist. He has been shown one yellow card.
  • OH Leuven are 11th in the league standings with 41 points and next face a home match against Antwerp in First Division A action on April 2.

Rezaei played for OH Leuven since last summer when he was transferred from Club Brugge. He performed very well in 2018, especially in Charleroi. Thus, Kaveh Rezaei is unlikely to stay in the Belgian league.

 

Kaveh Rezaei Stats

Season Team Minutes Started Started Sub in Sub out Bench Goals YC
2021/2022 OH Leuven 497 13 5 8 3 11 0 1
2020/2021 Sporting Charleroi 1570 25 18 7 11 8 7 1
2019/2020 Sporting Charleroi 1641 22 18 4 9 5 12 2
2019/2020 Club Brugge 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0
2018/2019 Club Brugge 409 11 4 7 4 12 1 0
2018/2019 Sporting Charleroi 287 4 3 1 2 1 3 0
2017/2018 Sporting Charleroi 3118 39 34 5 11 6 16 6
7522 114 82 32 40 44 39 10

Team Melli complexion is changing rapidly.

After the transfer of Sepahan’s and Team Melli Captain Ehsan Hajsafi to AEK Athens, Iran has just five players playing in the domestic Persian Gulf league. That puts Iran among the group of countries whose majority of the national team players play abroad. These countries, including World Cup holder France and FIFA Top ranking team Belgium, have only a few footballers that are based at home.

With the conclusion of the 2020/21 season of the Persian Gulf League in which Persepolis won the title for the fifth time in a row, 3 significant transfers were confirmed. Hossein Kanani from Al Ahli of Qatar from Persepolis, Payam Niazmand to Portimonense of Portugal, and Ehsan Hajsafi to AEK Greece from Sepahan, the last 23-man squad of Team Melli home-based players reduced to five only,

Vahid Amiri,  Milad Sarlak, Ahmad Nourollahi, Mehdi Torabi (all Persepolis), and Mehdi Ghaedi (Esteghlal) are the only players present in the World Cup qualifiers who are based in Iran. As for the latter player, Mehdi Ghaedi, his suitors have increased since his brilliant performance in AFC Champions League. Farhad Majidi announced a while ago, that he will not stop Ghaedi from seeking his fortunes in other pastures to improve his standard, which means the possible transfer of the best current talent in Iranian football to a foreign club.

The full list of Team Melli with 19 players

Team Melli legionnaires also include the following players who were not part of the squad for the return legs of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, who could be possibly invited to the next stage of qualifiers. These 6 players are as follow

In total 25 (83%) players are legionnaires out of 30

It is quite possible that under these circumstances, Iran will probably not have any players from domestic league playing for the country in the national team for several years to come, and there will be no trace of the old superiority and total control of Team Melli squad by the to poles of Iran football, Esteghlal, and Persepolis.

Several years ago, at the time of the decline of the domestic leagues of France and Belgium, all the players of these two powerful national teams were players working outside the domestic leagues. It seems that no player from the Belgian league was in the Red Devils’ starting line-up at Euro 2020 this year, and that was the case in France before the re-emergence of Paris Saint-Germain in France as one of the top teams in Europe.

The standard of Iran’s domestic league has fallen quite badly in the last few years due to several factors. Total government hegemony on clubs, chronic incompetent management, nepotism, poor coaching, politics, lack of resources, favoritism, corruption, and exceptional indiscipline have all resulted in a league that is relegated in the AFC Asian ranking to mid tables.

Iranian clubs have never won the AFC Champions League and the last time a club from Iran won a trophy was back in 1990/91 when Esteghlal won the Asian Club Championship, the predecessor of Champions League.

FFIRI board and Minster of Sports summoned to the Majlis.

Finally, Mehdi Taj and his entourage board members of the Football Federation are to be challenged about the circumstances of the suspicious and highly controversial deal by the parliament.

Mehdi Taj, along with several members of FFIRI board of directors and several current and former directors, attended a questioning session in the Islamic Consultative Assembly.

According to ISNA, the purpose of FFIRI board of directors’ appearance in Majlis is to determine if there was wrongdoing, negligence or corruption behind the signing of the deal with Wilmots, especially since the federation has been claiming for many years under both Ali Kaffashian and Mehdi Taj that it is critically short of funds even to pay its basic obligation, like the employee’s salaries, National teams training camps and inability to arrange meaningful friendly games for Team Melli to prepare for the World Cup citing fund shortage. Yet, the same federation that has been constantly seeking handouts from the government in effect using blackmail tactics, signs a multi-million dollar contract with a coach who has lasted only six months with Ivory Coast before he was sacked!

The FFIRI had steadfastly refused to disclose the terms of the deal and the justifications until public pressure and the threat of law suite finally exposed this horrendous commitment by the bankrupt federation.

 

Mehdi Taj and Ebrahim Shakoori, along with the current board of directors are under investigation for signing the worst sporting contract in the history of Iran at all levels. A contract with Marc Wilmots which resulted in Iran’s Team Melli not only risking eliminations from the qualifiers with two consecutive defeats under the Belgian but also resulted in the coach of Team Melli leaving the country accusing his employer of several breaches of the contract, which was supported by FIFA’s committee with Iranian side ordered to pay some € 6.2 million in fines to the person who has put Team Melli on the brink of elimination from the World Cup !.

The Minister of Sports and Youth Masoud Soltanifar and his deputies are also summoned for the hearing. It is strongly believed that the influence of the Minister was telling in the conclusion of the contract. With FFIRI board constantly seeking handouts, it is believed that none dared to challenge the Ministry’s choice while Soltanmifar denies any wrongdoing and only introducing the coach by recommendation of Iran-Belgium Chambers of commerce.

The executives are expected to answer questions from members of the Parliament about the background and the termination of the contract with Wilmots. FFIRI has borrowed over € 2.2 million from the social security organization to pay Wilmot’s salary.

Many observers are skeptical about any progress of the proceeding as it is feared that the issue will be kept under wrap and no one will be prosecuted especially since the Ministry of Sports and Youth is involved in the case as defendants.

Alireza Beiranvand to Antwerp

In the winter transfer window this season, Alireza Beiranvand signed a three-year contract with the Belgian side Antwerp, The Team Melli and Persepolis club goalkeeper was supposed to start his term in Belgium by today 1st July 2022, however, the COVID19 endemic and travel restrictions have postponed Beiranvands joining the team.

Beiranvand face difficulties attending Antwerp’s medical tests earlier due to the restrictions imposed.

The Team Melli goalkeeper, who had twice booked a ticket to travel to Belgium, stayed in Tehran due to flight restrictions. Persepolis Club also wanted to continue negotiations with their Belgian counterpart to keep Beiranvand until the end of the current season of the Persian Gulf league, but Antwerp in an official response to Persepolis Club’s letter called for Beiranvand’s presence in Belgium and did not allow him to continue his activities with Persepolis. Therefore, Beiranvand will not be able to participate in Persepolis training from today to wait for the flight to Belgium.

The latest announcement by the EU countries included a list of countries that are allowed to travel. Iran is not on the list hence Beiranvand needs to wait that much longer.

Alireza Beiranvand to undergo tests in Antwerp.

Team Melli’s goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand will have to travel to Belgium to participate in the Royal Antwerp club’s testing & training session, Tasnim news agency.

After successfully completing the tests, Beiranvand will join Antwerp. Details and fees are undisclosed and remain under wrap. Persepolis, the current club of Beiranvand, has been against such transfer but there is little they can do to stop it as Beiranvand will be under no obligation as he is reported to be a free agent.

According to the report, it could be a big blow for Iran’s Persepolis team ahead of the Iran Professional League (IPL) resumption.

Persepolis, who relies on Beiranvand’s good performances in the league matches, is in a race to win IPL title, which is scheduled to resume on June 18. Persepolis is leading the table with 10 points gap ahead of Sepahan Esfahan and Tractorsazi Tabriz. with 9 matches left to the end of the delayed season.

Skocic monitors Team Melli players in Belgium

Dragan Skocic headed to Europe for a close look at the Iranian legionaries players. The recently appointed head coach of Team Melli will be attending several matches involving the Iranian players.

This trip to Belgium by Skocic follows his attending of matches of Esteghlal and Persepolis matches in Kuwait and the Emirates in the AFC Champions League last week. Belgium is one of the countries with the most Iranian players in its league. Omid Ebrahimi and Saeed Ezzatollahi play for Eupen, Ali Gholizadeh, Younes Delphi and Kaveh Rezaei for Royal Charleroi and Milad Mohammadi for Gent.

On his trip to Belgium, Skocic first met with Saeed Ezzatollahi and Omid Ebrahimi and spoke with Eupen’s technical staff about the two Iranian players’ performances. Ezzatollah has not played for Eupen for a long time while Ebrahim is a fixed starter for the squad.

The Iranian teams competing in the AFC Champions League had a torrid start with only Sepahan managing a win in a total of 8 matches played by all the 4 Iranian teams. Skocic must have been concerned with such a performance especially since some of the Team Melli players have been less than ideal in those matches.

What is the story behind Di Biasi ?

The saga of Iranian football managements ( or mismanagement, to be more accurate) continues unabated with the latest revelation that an Italian coach is being considered for Team Melli after the debacle of Marc Wilmots!

Notwithstanding the truth behind this story and lack of an official confirmation, it is prudent to analyze such possibility and dissect the pros and cons of appointing a foreign coach who does not have the slightest clue about Iranian football culture to head Team Melli at this critical juncture.

Who is Di Biasi?

Giovanni “Gianni” De Biasi is an Italian coach who started his career in 1990 and managed several clubs in Serie C, B, and A, the most famous of them was Torino. Di Biasi never seemed to stay with one club for more than two seasons. During his playing days, he played with Treviso, Inter Milan ( 10 matches only) Brescia, Palermo but never managed to make it at top grade.  The same can be said about his coaching career until the big break came when he was recruited by the Albanians to coach their national team.

It was with Albania that Di Biasi enjoyed his best days in coaching. In his 6 years with Albania, he succeeded in qualifying to the Euro Finals in 2016. He left in 2017 to coach Alaves in La Liga.

Clearly, Gianni Di Biasi is not in the elite category of world coaches however, his success with the Albanian national team was remarkable considering the status and standard of the tiny European nation.

DI Biasi and Iran.

While Marc Wilmots had a similar resume as Di Biasi, perhaps a little bit better for coaching a powerful team like Belgium, he struggled to succeed with Iran. In fact, his poor familiarity with his players’, poor reading of the game and sub-standard knowledge of the opposition, resulted in two major defeats for Team Melli against teams that should have been beaten.

That Marc Wilmots was not familiar with the Team Melli players was a direct result of the guy living and working remotely with minimal contact and communication with the team members. It is only natural that a coach cannot employ the capabilities of the players to the full if he does not understand those skills and abilities. There are other factors too, but nothing like the poor technical and tactical leadership of the game which resulted in these diabolical defeats and possible elimination at an early stage.

Di Biasi is in the same boat as Wilmots was before taking the job. A person who has no knowledge of football in Iran, perhaps unable to name more than two or three players and is totally alien to the Persian culture and football politics. To settle in Iran in the first place, is a challenge for this Italian, assuming he is not going to be a suitcase flying coach. It will take him time and we are talking months if not years to be comfortable enough to deliver the goods.

The establishment, environment and the politics of Iranian football is a steep learning curve for any outsider. Expecting a foreign coach to deliver in a short time is unreasonable and unfair on both sides.

Team Melli has just about two months for the next match in the World Cup qualifiers vs. Hong Kong in Azadi. Granted, it is not an intricate mission but it still needs preparation, the familiarity between the coach and the players and building the best team line-up. The real test is against Bahrain and Iraq at home, two matches that must be won for Team Melli to be in contention for a place in the next round.

The contract!

It is not clear what has changed since Wilmot’s dispute with FFIRI which turned sour mainly due to non-payment or delay of wages by FFIRI.  This will repeat with any other coach if it is not sorted out.  Will Di Biasi suffer the same as Wilmots, Branko Ivankovic, Calderon and Andrea Stramaccioni who all had disputes with their paymasters on payments of dues? It is highly unlikely that the FFIRI has suddenly created a magic wand to manage to circumnavigate the American sanctions to enable paying the wages of its foreign coaches, so what has changed in FFIRI policy to assure the respect of contractual obligations?

It is particularly this subject that can turn a good relationship into a fractured one. It is a big challenge and a bigger risk for the federation as they have already been burnt, although no one takes responsibility or accountability.

This administration of the FFIRI is far from a competent operative. Although the fans of Team Melli should not be normally bothered or concerned with the administrations or contract details, with FFIRI and as we have experienced previously, it is a major concern. A lot is dependent on how he FFIRI respects its contractual obligations. By track records, it is not too promising. If there is anything that this administration excels in is, making excuses, fabrication & twisting of fact and diverting blame.

Chances of success

Assuming all is well with the contract, It is not an absolute requirement for a top-level coach to handle Team Melli. It needs a strong person, knowledgable, dedicated and tactically astute. Di Biasi can tick a few boxes here. His lack of familiarity can be addressed as he can develop that depending on how happy the man is at his job.  Iran can be both a pleasant place to live and frustration at the same time. He can do the job as well as any although from the onset it looks a lot more complicated for a newbie foreign coach than having a domestic one at the helm.

The Ghalenoei’s, Daei’s or Golmohammdi’s have their advantages as Team Melli coaches but also we must not forget a certain stigma attached to them, after all, in Iran, a local coach has an automatic label of being biased! A foreign coach is revered even if he struggles. The fans seem to be more tolerant of foreign coaches but unforgiving to a local. It is the Iranian culture.