Carlos Queiroz returns as Iran coach ahead of the World Cup

CAIRO, EGYPT - MARCH 25: Head Coach of Egypt Carlos Queiroz looks on during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 qualification match between Egypt and Senegal at Cairo International Stadium on March 25, 2022 in Cairo, Egypt. (Photo by Mohamed Hossam/Getty Images)

Sep 7, 2022

Iran have reappointed Carlos Queiroz as head coach ahead of this winter’s World Cup in Qatar.

Queiroz, 69, previously managed Iran between 2011 and 2019, leading them at both the 2014 and 2018 tournaments. He posted a 60 per cent win record during his time in the job.

The former Manchester United assistant manager replaces Croatian coach Dragan Skocic, who won 15 of his 18 matches in charge. Queiroz’s appointment follows the election of Mehdi Taj as president of the Iranian football federation last week.

A statement from the Iranian football federation said: “Thanks to Dragan Skocic’s efforts to advance to the World Cup, based on the decision of the Football Federation’s Executive Board, Carlos Queiroz will be the head coach of Iran’s national football team in the Qatar World Cup.”

Iran will face England, the United States and Wales in Group B at the World Cup, which begins on November 20.

Queiroz has previously coached at Real Madrid, Portugal, Egypt, and Colombia, as well as working as an assistant at Manchester United under Sir Alex Ferguson.

(Photo: Getty Images)

Get all-access to exclusive stories.

Subscribe to The Athletic for in-depth coverage of your favorite players, teams, leagues and clubs. Try a week on us.

Jacob Whitehead is a reporter for The Athletic, who covers a range of topics including investigations and Newcastle United. He previously worked on the news desk. Prior to joining, he wrote for Rugby World Magazine and was named David Welch Student Sportswriter of the Year at the SJA Awards. Follow Jacob on Twitter @jwhitey98