The 2017 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup semi-finalist took the first step to returning to the global Finals, prevailing in a spirited encounter against its neighbor to take three points.
Marco Octavio’s men defeated Iraq 5-2 in Group D at the Main Arena in Pattaya, Thailand.
Team Melli will face Oman on March 12.
"This is the first step, and we achieved. A young team with big inspiration like Iraq made some difficulties for our team but we proved our condition. Now our concentration is on our next match against Oman," Octavio said.
The tournament is being held in Thailand on March 9-17.
The championship also acts as the qualification tournament for Asian teams to the 2019 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup in Paraguay; the top three teams will qualify.