CORNERFLICK
Amir Ghalenoei has said Iran’s plan for their World Cup 2026 meeting with Egypt is to contain the whole side, rather than focus solely on Mohamed Salah.
Speaking before the teams’ third Group stage match, the Iran coach described Egypt as a well-drilled and long-established team. He pointed to their recent performances, including against Brazil, as evidence of their attacking threat.
Ghalenoei compared the match to a game of chess, saying Iran must track both their own moves and the opposition’s. He also said the team arrived late to the tournament and faced challenges, but are now in better technical and physical condition than in earlier games.
He added that outside noise will not affect his players, who are focused only on football and on making supporters proud. Ghalenoei also said he knows Egypt coach Hossam Hassan and has studied both his strengths and weaknesses.
Iran face Egypt at 6:30am on Tuesday, with Ghalenoei calling it a final.