Russian Team Faces Possible Autumn Friendly With Iran, With AFC Considerations
Maxim Mitrofanov, the Secretary General of the Russian Football Union, indicated that a friendly match between the Russian national team and Iran could be arranged in the autumn. The idea emerges as both sides explore options for a competitive tune-up during a period when the teams are planning for upcoming schedules.
In a recent update, it was noted that the first meeting between the teams on March 23 ended in a 1-1 draw. An online broadcast of that match circulated as fans followed the action from various platforms. The discussion surrounding the possibility of another meeting quickly shifted to practical considerations and timing.
Mitrofanov emphasized that there is genuine interest in inviting Iran to play in Russia, with talks currently centered on a fall window. The goal would be to schedule a game before either side advances too far into its qualification programs, which begin in November. While the proposal reflects mutual interest, he stated that the plan would not push beyond reasonable limits at this stage. The emphasis remains on exploring a competitive fixture that could help the teams sharpen their form ahead of more demanding matches later in the year.
Additionally, information about the program for the Russian side indicates a home match on March 26 against Iraq. That fixture is slated to take place at the Gazprom Arena in St. Petersburg, with a kickoff scheduled for 18:00 Moscow time. The match is presented as part of a broader schedule designed to maintain a high level of readiness and competitiveness for the national squad during the upcoming international windows.
Earlier reports from the Iranian Football Federation mentioned support for a potential transfer of certain administrative or organizational alignments, including the RFU’s relationship with continental governing bodies. In particular, the possibility of closer AFC involvement or influence has been discussed in relation to future competition structures and qualification pathways. The stakeholders continue to assess how such realignments might affect scheduling, travel, and match preparation for both teams. The discussions are being conducted with an eye toward practical outcomes and the broader interests of players, coaches, and fans. This context helps explain why any autumn match would be considered within a carefully balanced framework of timing and logistics, ensuring that the fixture serves the needs of both programs as they approach important qualifiers and regional competitions. Attribution: official announcements and federation briefings