Who Made the Cut? Iran’s Full 2026 World Cup Roster

Iran’s Football Federation (IFF) confirmed its 26-man provisional squad on June 11, 2024, with Taremi (34)—the team’s all-time leading scorer with 72 goals—securing his sixth straight World Cup appearance. The absence of Azmoun (29), who scored 22 goals for Borussia Dortmund in 2023, has sparked debate among fans and analysts.

Who Made the Cut? Iran’s Full 2026 World Cup Roster
FIFA Iran 2026 World Cup team press conference
Iran’s 2026 World Cup squad (provisional): Goalkeepers: Alireza Beiranvand (Persepolis), Rouhollah Gholami (Persepolis), Mohammad-Reza Behzadpour (Esteghlal). Defenders: Emad Mohammadi (Persepolis), Oscar Khanzadeh (Persepolis), Abolfazl Jalali (Esteghlal), Karim Ansarifard (Persepolis), Mehrad Mohammadi (Persepolis), Amir Arzani (Persepolis), Ali-Reza Rajabzadeh (Esteghlal). Midfielders: Ali Gholizadeh (Persepolis), Ashkan Dejagah (Burnley), Karim Ansarifard, Mehrad Mohammadi, Mohammad Gholami (Esteghlal), Karim Bagheri (Persepolis). Forwards: Mehdi Taremi (Shabab Al-Ahli), Amin Noorollahi (Al-Gharafa), Roozbeh Chahechahi (Persepolis), Ali-Reza Jahanbakhsh (Esteghlal), Karim Ansarifard.

Note: The squad is provisional pending visa approvals for all players. Final cuts may occur before the October 2025 FIFA deadline.

Why Is Azmoun Out? Tactics, Form, and the Queiroz Factor

Azmoun’s exclusion—despite his 22 Bundesliga goals in 2023—stems from multiple factors, according to Iranian media and tactical analysts:

Iran Final Squad For FIFA World Cup 2026 | Iran’s Official Squad for FIFA World Cup 2026