Iran coach Carlos Queiroz is set to be one of the most experienced managers at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
The 69-year-old Portuguese will be leading Iran into their third World Cup under his stewardship. He was in charge in 2014 and 2018 where they were knocked out in the group stage both times.
Queiroz has had one of the most diverse managerial careers of anyone near the top of the game – here’s 90min’s look back at what has led him to the 2022 edition of the World Cup.
Queiroz has had two different spells in charge of the Iranian national team and in this one, he will be taking on England along with the United States and Wales in Group B.
His first spell with Iran started in 2011 and ran right through until 2019. It was the longest spell of any Iran manager in history.
Something that he is widely praised for is welcoming more players from the Iranian diaspora into the squad, meaning players with Iranian heritage from countries such as Germany, the Netherlands, and the United States could play for Iran.
At the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, Iran started by drawing 0-0 with Nigeria and then lost 1-0 against Argentina thanks to a late Lionel Messi goal. The 3-1 defeat against Bosnia and Herzegovina that followed meant they were out.
Having reached the quarter-finals of the Asian Cup in 2015, Queiroz prepared for the 2018 World Cup in Russia. His side were extremely unlucky not to make it into the Round of 16 as Spain’s late draw against Morocco meant Iran’s 1-1 draw with Portugal was not quite enough.
That, along with a semi-final defeat in the 2019 Asian Cup, is why Queiroz has got a point to prove at the 2022 World Cup.
He was reappointed as Iran coach in September 2022 after spells with Colombia and Egypt.
In Europe, Queiroz is likely best known for his time as Sir Alex Ferguson’s assistant manager at Manchester United, as well as being Real Madrid’s head coach.
His first spell at United last just one season though as he was swiftly poached by Real Madrid. Given he had the chance to work with Zinedine Zidane, Ronaldo and Luis Figo, Queiroz understandably jumped at the opportunity.
Despite a good start, the 2003/04 season ended poorly for Los Blancos and Queiroz was relieved of his duties. United’s standards had slipped whilst he was gone, and they welcomed him back the following season.
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