Iran have announced their 26-man squad for the FIFA World Cup, with one of the biggest talking points being the omission of veteran striker Sardar Azmoun.
Azmoun, who has scored 57 goals in 91 appearances for the Iranian national team and ranks as the country’s third-highest goalscorer of all time, has been left out of the squad following months of controversy. The former AS Roma forward came under heavy criticism in March after posting a photograph on social media alongside the Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates. Several Iranian media outlets reportedly accused the player of “betrayal”, particularly given his residence in Dubai and footballing commitments there.
While Azmoun misses out, former Inter Milan striker Mehdi Taremi has been included in the final squad and is expected to lead Iran’s attacking line at the tournament.
Iran’s preparations for the World Cup have also been complicated by travel issues. The national team is scheduled to open its campaign against New Zealand national football team on 15 June in Los Angeles. However, reports indicate that the players had not yet received the necessary visas to enter the United States, forcing the team to relocate its planned training camp from Arizona to the Mexican border city of Tijuana.
The squad announced by head coach Amir Ghalenoei includes experienced figures such as captain Ehsan Hajsafi, goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand, defender Ramin Rezaeian and midfielder Saman Ghoddos.
The exclusion of Azmoun is undoubtedly the most notable decision and marks the end of an era for one of Iran’s most successful modern internationals. Whether the decision proves beneficial on the pitch will become clear once the World Cup gets underway.
Iran will be hoping that the experience of players such as Taremi can help guide them through a challenging group stage as they seek to make an impact on football’s biggest stage.
