Iran Leaves Sardar Azmoun Off 26-Man World Cup Squad After 'Treason' Accusations

3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Jun 2

Iran's 26-man World Cup roster omitted striker Sardar Azmoun, extending a March exile that followed a social media post authorities deemed a "disloyal act."
Azmoun, 31, reportedly angered officials by posting a photo with Dubai ruler Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum; the image was quickly deleted, but he was accused of treason.
Mehdi Taremi remains in the squad, which includes nine overseas-based players and 17 domestic-based players who have not played since February because of the Middle East war.
Iran has trained in Antalya and will shift its team base to Tijuana on Friday after FIFA approved a move from Tucson, citing security and visa concerns.
FIFA still kept Iran's Group G matches in the United States: New Zealand on June 15 in Los Angeles, Belgium on June 21 in Los Angeles, and Egypt on June 26 in Seattle.

Sources

Left33%

Center33%

Right33%

As politics forces Iran's World Cup base to Mexico, what does this signal about the security of the 2026 tournament?

With players facing extreme heat and security threats, what is the biggest off-field challenge for Iran's World Cup campaign in America?

Sidelined for 'treason,' how will Sardar Azmoun's absence impact a team already strained by war and playing on U.S. soil?