Hossein Abdi, head coach of Iran’s U23 national team, spoke after the Asian Games 2026 draw in Nagoya and set two clear goals: topping their group and booking a spot at the 2028 Olympics. Last result: Egypt 1-1 Iran (2026-06-27).
What’s the plan in Nagoya?
Abdi told reporters the U23 side faces a brutally tough group. “At this age level every team arrives with one goal: to win,” he said. “There’s no easy path.” Iran landed in Pot 3 thanks to recent U23 results and accumulated points, and Abdi had already warned the draw could pit them against several powerhouses. Now the focus is razor-sharp: survive the group and advance.
How Iran is preparing
Abdi said pre-Games camps in Turkey and a slate of friendlies are core to the build-up. “Our short-term target is Nagoya,” he noted, “but the long-term horizon is Los Angeles 2028.” The squad is using every remaining week to lift fitness, chemistry and sharpness to peak on arrival.
Full backing across Iranian football is non-negotiable
Abdi stressed success demands “unity across every pillar of Iranian football.” He singled out clubs for their long-standing support of national teams and coaches who mold this generation. “Support from medical, logistics, operations and media teams matters just as much,” he said. “We’re all rowing toward one goal, and with everyone’s help we’ll sharpen our strengths and fix our weaknesses to give the people of Iran a team they deserve.”
Big targets demand hard roads
“Why are we here? To do big things,” Abdi said. “If the path were easy, our presence wouldn’t mean a thing.” He framed football as a game of obstacles where only teams ready to fight through adversity collect the prizes. “Iran’s U23s are in Nagoya to qualify for the Olympics-and every step from here to LA 2028 will be earned.”
Iran’s senior side last played to a 1-1 draw with Egypt on June 27, 2026, and has gone unbeaten across its last five outings (four draws, one win).
