Iran Announces World Cup 2026 Squad Without Sardar Azmoun

Iran Names Preliminary World Cup Squad, Omitting Veteran Striker Azmoun

The Iranian national team has announced its preliminary 30-man squad for the upcoming FIFA World Cup, with several notable players included. However, veteran striker Sardar Azmoun was not named in the initial group.

Azmoun, who currently plays for Dubai’s Shabab Al-Ahli in the United Arab Emirates, had been a key player for Iran in their previous two World Cup appearances. The 31-year-old forward has scored 57 goals in his 91 appearances for the national team.

According to reports, Azmoun was expelled from the national team earlier this year due to a perceived act of disloyalty to the government amid the US-Israel war on Iran. He had posted a picture on his Instagram feed showing a meeting with Dubai’s ruler, Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, which reportedly upset Iranian authorities.

The 30-member squad will depart for Turkey on Monday for a training camp, friendlies, and visa applications before heading to the United States. The team will have to be trimmed to the World Cup maximum of 26 by June 1.

Head coach Amir Ghalenoei stated that selecting 30 players was the most difficult technical decision he has made as a coach, citing “technical criteria” as the basis for his selection. The Iranian squad is expected to play two friendlies in Antalya before departing for the World Cup.

The team will begin their campaign against New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15, followed by matches against Belgium and Egypt in Seattle. FIFA has assured that visas have not been issued yet, but players are expected to undergo fingerprinting in Turkey as part of the visa process.

Source: Al Jazeera