Iran have left striker Sardar Azmoun out of their 2026 World Cup squad. The decision follows reports of perceived disloyalty to the government.
Azmoun, who has scored 57 goals in 91 international appearances, was omitted from the preliminary squad. The 31-year-old, who plays in the United Arab Emirates, posted a photo with UAE ruler Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum on Instagram in March, which reportedly angered Iranian authorities. Vice president Abdolkarim Hosseinzadeh had called for his inclusion, but the plea was not heeded.
