Iran U-17 to begin the campaign against Brazil

News
  • Iran set for fifth appearance at U-17 World Cup
  • They will kick off the campaign against reigning champions Brazil
  • Nation will also face England and New Caledonia in the group stage

Iran have been handed one of the toughest draws possible in the FIFA U-17 World Cup™ group phase, with the nation pitted against the past two winners of the tournament, Brazil and England. They boast impressive pedigree at the competition themselves, however, having made it through to the knockout stage in each of their previous three appearances. Learn more about the Iran team aiming to make their mark in Indonesia below.

IR Iran’s U-17 World Cup Group C fixtures

11 November Brazil v IR Iran, 19.00 local time, Jakarta International Stadium

14 November England v IR Iran, 19.00 local time, Jakarta International Stadium

17 November IR Iran v New Caledonia, 19.00 local time, Si Jalak Harupat Stadium

How they qualified

Iran booked their ticket to Indonesia in a dramatic fashion. Needing to reach the last four of the 2023 AFC U-17 Asian Cup to secure qualification, they edged out Yemen in a quarter-final penalty shootout. Iran was then beaten 3-0 by eventual champions Japan in the semis.

Coach: Hossein Abdi

A former player with Iranian side Persepolis, Abdi went on to join the club’s coaching staff and notably had a spell as assistant to first-team boss – and national team legend – Ali Daei. During his time with the Iran Football Federation, he has also led the country’s U-16 team.

One to watch: Kasra Taheri

An athletic, skillful striker who links play well, Taheri was one of the stars of Iran’s run to the semi-finals of the 2023 AFC U-17 Asian Cup. He started all five of the team’s games at the tournament and scored two goals.

Tournament History

Iran will be participating in the U-17 World Cup for the fifth time. Their best performance was in India in 2017 when they reached the quarter-finals, recording eye-catching victories over Germany and two-time champions Mexico along the way.

Did you know?

Iran is unbeaten in their past nine group matches at the U-17 World Cup (won six, drawn three).