Iran Excludes Sardar Azmoun from World Cup Roster

Iran has announced its 2026 World Cup squad, leaving striker Sardar Azmoun out of the list. Officials cited reports of the player’s perceived disloyalty to the government as the main reason.

Azmoun’s absence narrows the team’s attacking options and has sparked debate among fans. Analysts suggest that political considerations are influencing selection alongside on‑field performance.