Azmoun reaffirms loyalty to Iran after 2026 World Cup omission

Iran forward Sardar Azmoun, 31, issued a public message on Wednesday reaffirming his loyalty to the national team after being left off coach Amir Ghalenoei’s preliminary 2026 World Cup list announced on Saturday. The striker, Iran’s second all-time leading scorer with 57 goals in 91 caps and a member of the last two World Cup squads, said pride in the shirt has guided his career.

He wished success to Team Melli at the tournament and emphasized support for his teammates. Azmoun did not address the reasons for his omission.

The note struck a conciliatory tone, focusing on representing Iran with dignity, sharing in the pain of defeats and the joy of victories, and thanking supporters for their backing. It arrived as the roster decision drew domestic attention, but Azmoun steered clear of controversy and framed the moment around the team’s ambitions. Officials and reports have cited differing explanations for his status earlier this year, though Azmoun did not revisit that debate in his statement.

In March, local media reports suggested he had been dropped after posting a photo on social media of a meeting with Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, while state media at the time cited an injury. Azmoun’s latest message avoided assigning any reason and reiterated that his identity and pride are tied to Iran, regardless of where he plays his club football.

Azmoun has been central to Iran’s attack for more than a decade, regularly featuring in Asian qualifying and major finals. His scoring record underscores the significance of his absence from the initial list and the scrutiny it prompted as Team Melli finalizes its preparations.

Squad selection and loyalty debate

Message emphasizes unity over controversy

Addressing earlier accusations of disloyalty, Azmoun recalled rejecting a lucrative opportunity as a teenager to represent another country, choosing instead to play for his homeland. He reiterated that he has always played for Iran with pride and wished success to Ghalenoei and his teammates at the tournament.

Speculation around the omission

Reports in March outlined competing explanations for his status with the national team, while state media pointed to injury at that time. Azmoun’s current statement did not take a position on those accounts and instead focused on supporting the group as it moves toward the World Cup.

Preparation and group schedule

Training camp in Turkiye, base in Arizona

Iran are holding a training camp in Turkiye before flying to Arizona in the first week of June, where the team will base itself for the tournament. The camp will conclude with travel logistics and final on-field work aimed at settling the team’s approach and selections.

Opponents and attacking options

Iran open against New Zealand on June 15, face Belgium on June 21 in Los Angeles, and conclude the group against Egypt five days later in Seattle. With Azmoun absent from the initial list, the forward line will be led by Mehdi Taremi, who plays for Olympiacos in Greece. The group stage will provide the first look at Ghalenoei’s attacking shape without Azmoun.

Attention now shifts to Iran’s relocation to the United States and the June 15 opener, when the composition of the final squad and the team’s tactical balance will begin to take clearer shape.