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Iran has announced a 26-member squad for the FIFA World Cup 2026, set to begin on 11 June across Canada, the United States, and Mexico.
The squad announced by head coach Amir Ghalenoei features a blend of youngsters and seasoned players, with veteran striker Sardar Azmoun the notable omission.
Azmoun who appeared in 91 internationals and scored 57 goals was left out of the initial squad and did not make the final squad despite Iran’s Vice president urging him to return.
The 31-year-old was reportedly omitted from the Iran team in March for a perceived act of disloyalty to the government.
The 32-year-old Winger Alireza Jahanbakhsh will lead the side, with Alireza Beiranvand, Milad Mohammadi, Saeid Ezatolahi, and striker Mehdi Taremi strengthening the squad.
The upcoming event will mark Iran’s seventh appearance at the FIFA World Cup, as they look to advance past the group stage for the first time. In total, Iran has won only three of 19 matches in their previous appearances.
Iran, slotted in Group G, will begin their campaign against New Zealand on 15 June before locking horns against Belgium on 21 June. They will play their final group game against Egypt in Seattle on 26 June.
Goalkeepers: Alireza Beiranvand (Tractor), Hossein Hosseini (Sepahan), Payam Niazmand (Persepolis)
Defenders: Danial Eiri (Malavan), Ehsan Hajsafi (Sepahan), Saleh Hardani (Esteghlal), Hossein Kanaani (Persepolis), Shoja Khalilzadeh (Tractor), Milad Mohammadi (Persepolis), Ali Nemati Omid Noorafkan (Foolad), Ramin Rezaeian (Foolad)
Midfielders: Rouzbeh Cheshmi (Esteghlal), Saeid Ezatolahi (Shabab Al-Ahli), Mehdi Ghaedi (Al-Nassr), Saman Ghoddos (Kalba), Mohammad Ghorbani (Al-Wahda), Alireza Jahanbakhsh (Dender), Mohammad Mohebi (Rostov), Amir Mohammad Razzaghinia (Esteghlal), Mehdi Torabi (Tractor), Aria Yousefi (Sepahan)
Forwards: Ali Alipour (Persepolis), Dennis Dargahi (Standard Liege), Amirhossein Hosseinzadeh (Tractor), Shahriyar Moghanlou (Kalba), Mehdi Taremi (Olympiacos)
15 June – New Zealand (9 pm EST)
21 June – Belgium (3 pm EST)
26 June – Egypt (11 pm EST)
