Iran announced its 26-man roster for the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Monday, notably omitting star striker Sardar Azmoun, long nicknamed the 'Iranian Messi.'
Coach Amir Ghalenoei dropped Azmoun from the squad in March following a social media post that angered Iranian authorities. Azmoun, 31, posted a photo alongside the Emir of Dubai, a known U.S. ally. He quickly deleted the post but was accused of 'treason' and a 'disloyal act.'
Azmoun, who played for Bayer Leverkusen, AS Roma, and now Shabab Al-Ahli, was a key figure for the national team. Without him, Iran will rely on fellow strikers like Mehdi Taremi. The team has been training in Antalya, Turkey, and will move their base camp to Tijuana, Mexico, amid ongoing regional war.
Iran kicks off its Group G schedule against New Zealand on June 15 at SoFi Stadium, followed by matches against Belgium and Egypt. The team has never advanced past the group stage.