Iran Excludes Star Striker Sardar Azmoun from 2026 World Cup Roster – Here’s Why.

Iran’s Squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup

According to Novyny.live: Iran’s national football team has announced its roster for the 2026 World Cup, notably leaving out celebrated forward Sardar Azmoun. The decision has sparked strong reactions from fans who had hoped to see him compete on the global stage.

At 31 years old, Azmoun stands as one of the top scorers in Iran’s national team history. With 57 goals in 91 appearances for his country, his contributions have been substantial. He currently plays for Shabab Al-Ahli, a club based in the United Arab Emirates.

Coach’s Decision and Group Stage Opponents

Head coach Amir Ghalenoei made the call to exclude Azmoun from the World Cup squad, catching many football enthusiasts off guard. In the tournament, Iran will face teams in its group including:

• Belgium
• Egypt
• New Zealand

This lineup promises a tough challenge for the Iranian players.

Azmoun’s absence could significantly weaken Iran’s prospects in upcoming matches. His experience and goal-scoring ability might have been decisive in the fight to advance past the group stage.

It’s worth noting that the coach’s decision likely stems from both athletic and tactical considerations. The squad is built based on players’ current form and fitness levels. Given that Iran has landed in a difficult group, missing a key player could heavily impact the team’s overall strategy during the tournament.