Iran omit Sardar Azmoun from preliminary 2026 World Cup squad

Iran named a preliminary 30-player squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Saturday, leaving out veteran forward Sardar Azmoun. Head coach Amir Ghalenoei’s list precedes a training camp in Antalya, Turkey, and ongoing visa procedures for North America. One friendly against The Gambia on May 29 has been confirmed as part of preparations. The squad must be reduced to the FIFA limit of 26 by June 1.

Azmoun, 31, has scored 57 goals in 91 international appearances and featured at Iran’s last two World Cups. Iranian media previously reported that he drew criticism after posting an Instagram photo in March from a meeting with Dubai’s ruler, Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum; he later removed the post.

A report in Iranian media at the time, citing an informed source, claimed he had been expelled from the national team. Officials have not given a public reason for his current omission, and Ghalenoei has said selections are based on technical criteria.

With Azmoun absent, Iran’s attack is set to be led by Mehdi Taremi, who has played in major European leagues and is currently with Olympiacos in Greece. Azmoun is on the books of Shabab Al-Ahli in the United Arab Emirates.

Azmoun left out after March backlash

Social media post and media reaction

The forward’s March Instagram post triggered criticism in state media, according to local reports. While the image was deleted, the episode continued to attract commentary, and the player was lambasted on television. The football federation has not linked Saturday’s selection to that incident.

Coach emphasizes technical assessment

Ghalenoei noted in remarks published by the federation that he chose the 30 players on technical grounds. The coach must trim the group to 26 by the June 1 deadline, balancing form, fitness and positional needs as Iran finalize their roster.

Antalya camp and visa logistics

Training return to Turkey and friendlies

The national team will travel to Turkey on Monday for a camp in Antalya, where they also trained and played friendlies in March. Team officials aim to schedule two matches during the stay; one, against The Gambia on May 29, is confirmed. The camp will also serve administrative needs ahead of travel to North America.

FIFA assurances on U.S. entry

Federation president Mehdi Taj said no visas had been issued yet for players or staff, but football’s global governing body has provided reassurances ahead of the tournament. Players are expected to complete fingerprinting in Turkey as part of the process, and the federation is working to avoid a more than 450km trip from Antalya to Ankara for that step.

Group G fixtures in the United States

Los Angeles opener and Seattle finale

Iran open their Group G campaign against New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15, then face Belgium in the same city before meeting Egypt in Seattle. The 2026 tournament is co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, with Iran’s group-stage matches scheduled on U.S. soil.

The key milestones ahead are the Antalya camp, securing visas, and the final squad submission by June 1. Iran’s staff also continue to build match sharpness through friendlies, with attention on how the forward line shapes up in Azmoun’s absence.