The Islamic Republic of Iran Handball Federation has ushered in a new era for its women’s national team with the appointment of Portuguese coach Ana Cristina Teixeira Seabra as head coach. 

Seabra, 48, brings a wealth of international experience both as a player and a coach, and is widely regarded as one of the most accomplished figures in Portuguese women’s handball. Having represented the Portugal national team in 215 matches, Seabra enjoyed an stellar career at club level with stints at Club Balonmáno Atlético Guardés in Spain and AA São Pedro do Sul in Portugal.

After calling an end to her playing career, the Portuguese coach has been responsible for several younger age category national teams in Portugal, while also leading Spanish club Atletico Guardes over two seasons.

Seabra now embarks on her first head coaching tenure outside of Europe, having also served as an assistant for the Paraguay women’s senior national team during the Paris 2024 Olympic Qualification Tournament, where the South American team played against Montenegro, Slovenia and Germany.
Under a new two-year contract, Seabra will take charge as head coach for the 2025 IHF Women’s World Championship, where the Islamic Republic of Iran will compete in Group B alongside Hungary, Switzerland, and Senegal. 

Germany/Netherlands 2025 will be the third consecutive edition of the IHF Women’s World Championship where Iran are due to feature, after making their debut in 2021, where they finished 31st, after the People’s Republic of China withdrew, due to Covid-19 positive cases in the Asian team squad.

The Islamic Republic of Iran returned to the world handball flagship competition two years later, at Denmark/Norway/Sweden 2023, where they also finished on the 31st place, this time securing their maiden win on the court, 28:23, against Greenland, in the Placement Match 31/32.