Iran's attacking talisman, Sardar Azmoun, was notably absent from coach Amir Ghalenoei's preliminary World Cup squad. The coach did not provide a reason, but Iranian state media reported an injury. Azmoun, who has 57 goals in 91 internationals, was also omitted in March after posting a photo with Dubai's ruler amid geopolitical tensions. The 30-man squad includes veterans Mehdi Taremi and Alireza Jahanbakhsh.
Iran's participation in the tournament, co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, has been in question since U.S. and Israeli air strikes on Iran in February. The country's football federation president was denied entry to Canada due to links with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which is designated a terrorist entity by the U.S. and Canada. Iran's request to move their matches to Mexico was denied by FIFA.
Iran is scheduled to play New Zealand on June 15 and Belgium on June 21 in Los Angeles, and Egypt on June 26 in Seattle.