Iran come to the World Cup with high hopes of reaching the knockout stages after an impressive campaign in qualifying and at the tournament in Russia four years ago; although their preparation has been hindered by the recent sacking of head coach Dragan Skocic and the re-hiring of Carlos Queiroz.
Skocic took charge of Iran in February 2020 and helped them finish top of the Asian qualification group, picking up 25 out of a possible 30 points which is Iran’s highest ever tally in World Cup qualifiers. He won 15 of his 18 games as head coach but disputes with senior players saw him lose his job permanently in September with Queiroz, who managed Iran at the 2014 and 2018 World Cups, reinstated with just two months to go before the tournament.
