Iran squad for FIFA World Cup 2026 — Mehdi Taremi included; Full list of players
The 26-man roster leans on Mehdi Taremi and Alireza Jahanbakhsh as Iran moves its training camp to Tijuana after FIFA approval.
- On Monday, Iran coach Amir Ghalenoei named a 26-man squad for the FIFA World Cup 2026, notably excluding star forward Sardar Azmoun from the roster.
- Despite scoring 57 goals in 91 internationals, Azmoun was left out even as Iran Vice President Abdolkarim Hosseinzadeh called for his return, following reports of alleged disloyalty to the government.
- Veterans Mehdi Taremi, 33, and former Brighton & Hove Albion winger Alireza Jahanbakhsh will lead the attack, while the squad faces ongoing uncertainty over travel and security arrangements.
- Iran will base its squad in the Mexican border city of Tijuana during the Finals after FIFA approved a request to move the training camp from Arizona.
- Scheduled to play all three group matches in the United States, Iran faces New Zealand on June 15, Belgium on June 21, and Egypt on June 26.
16 Articles
16 Articles
Iran Goes Down From the World Cup to One of Its Scorers for a Photo that Was Considered a “Betrayal”
In a World Cup heavily crossed by political tensions and international conflicts, a footballer will be sidelined for reasons that have nothing to do with his performance. Iran officially announced the 26-player squad without Sardar Azmoun, the team’s third-historic scorer, with footsteps by Bayer Leverkusen and Rome, and currently in Shabab Al-Ahli (United Arab Emirates). Azmoun was banned by Iran’s sports ministry, being considered a “traitor” …
Iran's football team officialized its list of calls for the 2026 World Cup. With figures like Mehdi Taremi and Alireza Beyranvand, the "Team Melli" seeks to consolidate the leading role of Western Asia and the Global South in the ecumenical event.
Lens defender Abdulhamid spearheads Saudi 2026 World Cup squad
Lens defender Saud Abdulhamid will spearhead Saudi Arabia's World Cup team, with forward Salem Al-Dawsari set for a third appearance in the tournament, after coach Georgios Donis named his 26-man squad on Monday. Abdulhamid, who won the French Cup this year, is the only player based abroad in the Saudi squad for the event, which will be held in the US, Mexico and Canada from 11 June to 19 July. Al Hilal's Al Dawsari, the 2025 AFC player of the y…
The selection of Iran gave the list for the World Cup with an impacting absence. The World Post 2026: Iran pulled out of the list from 26 to one figure for political reasons appeared first on The Intransigent.
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