Amir Ghalenoei

Amir Ghalenoei is an Iranian coaching veteran who previously led the national team between 2006 and 2009 before returning for a second stint. He typically organises Iran in a compact 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1, prioritising defensive solidity and rapid counter-attacks over possession-based football. His domestic pedigree includes title-winning spells with Persepolis and Esteghlal, and he guided Iran through AFC qualification for this tournament, though his tenure has not been without public scrutiny over squad selections.

Ghalenoei typically deploys a 4-3-3 that compresses into a 4-5-1 defensive block without the ball. Saeid Ezatolahi anchors the midfield, breaking up play and recycling possession, while Jahanbakhsh and Ghoddos operate as the wider attacking outlets. Iran look to win the ball high or absorb pressure and transition quickly, with Taremi as the focal point of counter-attacks. Ramin Rezaeian and Ehsan Hajsafi provide width from full-back positions.