TEHRANTIMES - An Iraqi football official has confirmed friendly matches against Paraguay, Nigeria and Iran in preparation for the 2014 World Cup.

Iraq is scheduled to play Japan in Tokyo on September 11 in the World Cup qualifiers.

Mohammed Khalil Hamdan has not yet announced the venues and dates for the friendlies, which will be confirmed in August by Iraq football coach Zico.

Iran is also gearing up for the 2014 World Cup.

The Persians are grouped with South Korea, Uzbekistan, Qatar and Lebanon for the final round of the Asian World Cup qualifying stages and need to finish at least second to qualify for Brazil 2014.

Iran will face South Korea in Tehran on October 16 in the World Cup qualifiers.

Carlos Queiroz’s team is second in the group, two points under South Korea, who has six points.