After a thorough evaluation of Team Melli’s performance in the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023, the Iranian Football Federation has decided to retain Amir Ghalenoei as the head coach. This decision comes as the federation eagerly awaits the implementation of Ghalenoei’s visionary plans aimed at ushering in a new era of talent and rejuvenation within the team.

Following his return to Iran, Coach Ghalenoei wasted no time in strategizing for the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers. In a collaborative meeting attended by his Iranian coaching staff, Ghalenoei outlined his ambitious youth development program. Despite the dearth of emerging talent in many local clubs, Ghalenoei’s approach to generational change is multifaceted.

Integral to his strategy is the utilization of young players in specialized mini-camps, strategically scheduled outside of FIFA-designated dates. Additionally, Ghalenoei envisions regular assessments of young prospects during technical staff meetings with coaches from the Premier League, ensuring comprehensive monitoring of emerging talent.

In a bold move, the technical staff of the Iranian national team plans to provide valuable exposure to selected young talents during the upcoming matches against Turkmenistan. This includes scouting potential prospects from prestigious European leagues and extending invitations to a select few for training camps.

The identified young talents are slated to undergo a rigorous evaluation process, with the aim of integrating them into the national team setup gradually. Coach Ghalenoei, in discussions with Mehdi Taj, the head of the federation, has emphasized the critical importance of these initiatives, which have garnered full support and approval from the federation.

Ghalenoei was severely and repeatedly criticized by the media for sticking to the same old players he inherited from the Queiroz era taking a squad of many over 30 players to the Asian Cup. It proved to be his downfall as many of these senior players failed to show up and make a difference.

It remains to be seen if Ghalenoei will introduce any young players in the upcoming matches in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers and if so, who many?