Antalya, Turkey – Sardar Azmoun, Iran’s all-time leading goalscorer, has been left out of the national team squad for upcoming World Cup warm-up matches, reportedly due to a perceived act of “disloyalty” to the government. The omission of the 31-year-old striker, who has 57 goals in 91 international appearances, comes after he posted a picture on Instagram meeting with Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai.
The move, first reported by Iranian media outlets, throws Azmoun’s participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada, into doubt. Iran’s involvement in the tournament is already under a cloud due to ongoing regional conflicts, adding another layer of complexity to their preparations. The warm-up games scheduled for March against Nigeria and Costa Rica, both to be played in Antalya, will now proceed without one of their key attacking threats.
According to reports from the Guardian and Reuters, the Iranian authorities were angered by Azmoun’s meeting with Sheikh Mohammed, particularly given recent tensions between Iran and the United Arab Emirates. Iran launched rocket and drone attacks on the UAE following airstrikes attributed to the United States and Israel, which reportedly resulted in casualties. The photograph, which has since been deleted from Azmoun’s Instagram account, was seen as a demonstrate of support for a government perceived as hostile to Iran.
The Fars news agency, linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, cited an “informed source within the national team” as stating that Azmoun had been expelled from the squad. The Football Federation of the Islamic Republic of Iran (FFIRI) has not yet issued an official statement confirming the expulsion, but Azmoun’s name is notably absent from the 35-man squad announced by head coach Amir Ghalenoei on Friday.
Azmoun, currently playing his club football for Shabab Al Ahli in the UAE Pro League, has a history of expressing opposition to the Iranian regime. Reports indicate he has been a target of the hardline elements within Iran for some time. This latest incident appears to be the culmination of those tensions, with some figures within Iran openly calling for him to be removed from the national team.
Mohammad Misaghi, a local consultant, criticized Azmoun, stating, “We must tell them that they are not worthy of wearing the national team jersey. We do not have time for this childishness.” This sentiment reflects a growing intolerance towards perceived dissent within Iranian football, particularly as the nation prepares for a high-profile international tournament.
The absence of Azmoun represents a significant loss for Iran’s attacking options. He is the second-most expensive Iranian player of all time, after Alireza Jahanbakhsh, and has consistently been a key contributor to the national team’s goals. His record of 57 goals in 91 caps underscores his importance to the side. The squad does, however, include a first call-up for Dennis Eckert, a German-born striker who plays for Standard Liège in Belgium and qualifies through his Iranian ancestry.
Azmoun’s career has seen him play for Rubin Kazan, Rostov, Zenit Saint Petersburg, Bayer Leverkusen (on loan to Roma during his time there), and now Shabab Al Ahli. He made his debut for the Iran national team in 2014 and has since represented his country in the 2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cups, as well as multiple editions of the AFC Asian Cup.
The situation raises questions about the extent to which political considerations are influencing team selection within Iranian football. While the FFIRI has remained silent on the matter, the reports suggest a clear message is being sent regarding loyalty and adherence to the government’s line. This incident is likely to fuel further debate about the relationship between sports and politics in Iran, particularly as the World Cup approaches.
Iran’s next scheduled matches are against Nigeria and Costa Rica in Antalya, Turkey. The team will be looking to build momentum ahead of the World Cup, but the absence of their star striker casts a shadow over their preparations. The focus will now be on how the team adapts to life without Azmoun and whether they can overcome this setback to perform well on the world stage.
The ongoing conflict in the Middle East and the political climate within Iran add significant uncertainty to the nation’s World Cup campaign. Whether the team can navigate these challenges and compete effectively remains to be seen. The situation surrounding Sardar Azmoun serves as a stark reminder of the complex interplay between sports, politics, and national identity.
Fans can follow updates on the Iranian national team and the 2026 World Cup preparations through official FIFA channels and reputable sports news outlets. The next official update regarding the squad is expected after the matches against Nigeria and Costa Rica.
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