Iran to face Russia in familiar friendly
Russia will host Iran in a friendly in Kazan on September 29, the Iranian Football Federation (FFIRI) announced Friday.
The match will mark the third meeting between the two national teams since Amir Qalenoei was appointed to the Iran job for a second spell in March 2023.
The two sides played out a 1-1 draw at Tehran’s Azadi Stadium days after Qalenoei’s first game in charge, before Russia won 2-1 at Volgograd Arena in October last year.
The Russian national team has been banned from all FIFA and UEFA competitions for the past four years after Russia launched its military operation in Ukraine in February 2022.
The upcoming match will be part of Iran’s preparations for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup, which kicks off on January 7 in Saudi Arabia.
A semifinalist at the previous two editions, Iran will begin its bid for a fourth Asian Cup title – and its first since 1976 – against China in Group C, which also features Kyrgyzstan and Syria, at Riyadh’s Kingdom Arena on January 9.
Iraqi media reported earlier this month that Iran will also take part in a four-team tournament alongside Iraq and Uzbekistan in Basra during the November FIFA international window, although the Iranian governing body has yet to confirm the report.
Despite FFIRI chairman Mahdi Taji backing Qalenoei on several occasions to remain in charge for the Asian Cup, the head coach has yet to be offered a new contract after his previous deal expired following Team Melli’s mixed campaign at the FIFA World Cup in June.
Iran enjoyed a historic unbeaten run in the group stage of the expanded 48-team tournament in North America, playing out three draws against New Zealand (2-2), Belgium (0-0) and Egypt (1-1). However, Iran finished third in Group G and missed out on a first-ever spot in the knockout phase in seven World Cup appearances.