News ID: 532

Date: 04 January 2026 - 14:13

#President

Taj: National Team Capable of Reaching World Cup Knockout Stage Through Collective Effort

President Taj said he is not given to bold predictions but believes the national team is capable of advancing to the second round of the FIFA World Cup.

Speaking at the 33rd General Assembly of the Iranian Football Federation, Taj thanked assembly members, officials from the Ministry of Sport and Youth, club executives and federation board members for their presence, while also marking religious occasions and commemorating those in attendance.

At the start of his remarks, Taj paid tribute to 14 martyrs from football and futsal who lost their lives during the recent 12-day conflict, stressing that football has always played a significant and irreplaceable role in Iran’s social landscape. He noted that the sport has never been detached from society and remains one of the most influential social phenomena in the country.

The federation president emphasized that key decisions in Iranian football are made collectively and responsibly, adding that he held meetings with FIFA representatives just a day earlier to discuss various matters. He underlined football’s broad social impact, pointing to high attendance figures at futsal and football matches across the country as evidence of the sport’s popularity.

Taj cited a recent futsal match in Isfahan attended by between 6,000 and 7,000 spectators, where EVS technology was used, and noted that despite official advisories, public turnout remained strong. He also referred to an upcoming football match in Isfahan expected to attract around 50,000 fans, highlighting football’s unparalleled position among social activities.

Reviewing on-field performances, Taj said Iranian clubs experienced mixed results in Asian competitions, while the national team delivered a strong qualifying campaign. He described qualification for the upcoming World Cup as one of the smoothest and most satisfying in Iran’s history, noting that he has been involved in six World Cup cycles in various roles, including as head of delegation and federation president.

He further highlighted that all Iranian national teams are currently coached by domestic managers and have achieved qualification targets in football, futsal and women’s competitions. Taj pointed to Iran’s leading position in Asian futsal, second place in Asian football rankings, and the beach soccer team’s top ranking in Asia and fourth or fifth place globally.

Despite serious financial constraints, Taj said significant progress has been made through commitment and motivation, achievements he described as incomparable to those of wealthier rivals. He also noted that Iran currently holds around 17 international seats within FIFA, the Asian Football Confederation and decision-making bodies in football, futsal and beach soccer, reflecting Iran’s standing in international football governance.

On infrastructure, Taj reported major construction projects underway, including new facilities for futsal and beach soccer, improved training grounds, administrative buildings and utility upgrades. He contrasted the current situation with earlier years when the national team lacked standard training pitches, stating that today multiple fully equipped fields and quality accommodation facilities are available.

Taj stressed that these developments demonstrate what can be achieved through unity, collective effort and effective management. He added that the consolidation of facilities has helped reduce costs and improve efficiency.

He also noted the scale of domestic competitions, explaining that the Iranian league system organizes more than 6,800 matches annually, each requiring officials, medical services and logistical support, describing the process as demanding but successfully managed.

Addressing international relations, Taj said the federation maintains strong ties with FIFA and the AFC and is working closely with head coach Amir Ghalenoei and the Ministry of Sport to arrange high-quality friendly matches for the national team ahead of the World Cup.

“I am not someone who boasts or makes bold forecasts,” Taj said. “But I hope and I believe it is possible for our national team to reach the second round of the World Cup. This goal is not unrealistic, and the coaching staff and players are pursuing it seriously. I expect this achievement to happen.”

In closing, Taj commented on the delegation of authority regarding annual membership fees to the federation’s executive board, referring to unresolved issues related to agents’ payments over the past three years. He said recent meetings with agents had resulted in an agreement for payments to resume from next year, adding that while the decision may not fully align with the federation’s position, it will be implemented based on the assembly’s vote.