Overview
- Iran announced its final 26-man World Cup roster on Monday, with star striker Sardar Azmoun omitted from the squad.
- The omission traces to a March photo of Azmoun with UAE ruler Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum that drew public condemnation from security bodies.
- Senior officials have publicly reacted to the decision, including a vice-presidential appeal for Azmoun’s recall and criticism from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
- Coach Amir Ghalenoei picked Mehdi Taremi among the forwards and the squad is training in Turkey with a friendly against Mali before relocating to a FIFA‑approved base in Tijuana, Mexico.
- The case highlights how political and security concerns can shape Iran’s team choices and raises practical risks for morale and travel logistics as U.S. visa clearance remains unresolved.