Tag: Sardar Azmoun

Iran's World Cup 2026 Post-Mortem: Denial, Decline, and the Urgent Need for Revolution

The dust has settled on the FIFA World Cup 2026, and for Iran’s Team Melli, the tournament ended not with a bang, but with a whimper of controversy and a stubborn refusal to face reality. Despite exiting the group stage without a single victory—a historic low for the nation in this competition—Head Coach Amir Ghalenoei and his staunch supporters have strangely tried to spin a lackluster campaign into a badge of honor.

While the World Cup continues to showcase spectacular performances from underdogs like Egypt and Cape Verde, Iran returned home empty-handed, failing to register a win. This is in stark contrast to regional rivals like Japan and South Korea, who, despite also being eliminated, managed a victory and have already initiated a major rebuild. The Korean FA has wasted no time in overhauling their squad and strategic vision ahead of the AFC Asian Cup 2027. In Iran, however, the administration seems frozen. The typical pattern involves taking their "sweet time," only to later complain that there was "not enough time" for necessary changes.

The Coaching Conundrum: The Search for a Savior

Ghalenoei’s contract expires with the end of this tournament. The Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran (FFIRI) has discreetly stated its intention to pursue a European coach. However, given the country's volatile socio-economic and geopolitical climate, it is highly unrealistic to expect a reputable manager to accept the post.

Realistically, the federation’s options are limited. They are likely to attract only third or fourth-tier coaches—many from Latin America or Eastern Europe—who are willing to overlook the instability for a lucrative paycheck. Such an appointment could prove disastrous, likely yielding results even worse than keeping the conservative Ghalenoei at the helm.

The Options:

  • Keep Ghalenoei: A continuation of the status quo; likely leads to stagnation but offers "stability" in terms of familiarity with the domestic league and veteran players.
  • Foreign Gamble: Hiring a low-tier foreign coach risks a culture clash, tactical confusion, and an eventual acrimonious exit, leaving the team in shambles.
  • Young Local Prospect: The most sensible, albeit unpopular, approach might be to appoint a younger domestic coach willing to embrace a long-term youth project, similar to what other Asian nations are doing.

Player Analysis: The Verdict is In

Regardless of who sits in the dugout, Team Melli requires a profound upheaval in personnel. Several players have clearly passed their "sell-by" date, while others are teetering on the brink. Below is a comprehensive analysis of the squad’s performance, complete with a verdict on their future with the national team.

(Key: ✅ Continue, ❌ Retire/Drop, ⚠️ Conditional/Evaluate)

#PlayerPositionPerformance & AnalysisVerdict
1Alireza BeiranvandGKA mix of hero and villain. At fault for goals against New Zealand and Egypt, yet delivered a world-class performance against Belgium. His continuation is born of necessity; a lack of viable domestic alternatives keeps him in the squad.✅ YES
2Saleh HardaniRBhis showing against Belgium was embarrassing. Despite possessing pace and crossing ability, he lacks the fundamental defensive instincts required at this level. Iran has plenty of options for his post.❌ NO
3Ehsan HajsafiDFThe end of a remarkable career. A loyal servant to Team Melli, but his legs are gone, and he is no longer able to keep up with international pace.❌ NO
4Shoja'a KhalilzadehCBGave his best for Team Melli with solid performances, but this must be the end of the road. His age and lack of pace have been evident for years; Ghalenoei's persistence with him was a mistake.❌ NO
5Milad MohammadiLBDid not perform as expected. His performance has been on a downward trend for several seasons. He is replaceable, and the team would not miss him.❌ NO
6Saeid EzatolahiCMOne of the players who stood up and played his heart out. He was one of the best players at his club this season and still possesses the energy and determination. A definite candidate for the future.✅ YES
7Alireza JahanbakhshRFHis poor form over the last few seasons made his inclusion a mystery. He should gracefully retire from international duty and focus on reviving his club career in the twilight of his playing days.❌ NO
8Mohammad MohebiRFStill good enough for the team. He should improve with experience and is a vital part of the squad's future core.✅ YES
9Mehdi Taremi (c)CMThe Captain's disappointing performances are a worrying sign. His lack of mobility is becoming a liability. While he should be in the squad for the Asian Cup, his playing time must be reduced drastically.✅ YES
10Mehdi GhayediFWIt is unfortunate that this nifty winger did not play a leading role. He possesses the skills and pace the team desperately needs and would be a definite asset in the 2027 AFC Asian Cup.✅ YES
11Ali AlipourFWNot a versatile forward. He lacks the necessary skills and footballing IQ to play at the international level.❌ NO
13Hossein KananiCBA mixed performance—solid against Belgium but disappointing against Egypt. Another player on a downward trend.❌ NO
14Saman GhoddosCMA disappointing tournament for a player expected to be the team's dynamo. Perhaps the direct football deployed rendered him ineffective, but he retains significant skill and running ability. A sure member of the squad.✅ YES
15Roozbeh CheshmiCMWas in the USA carrying an injury and didn't feature. With plenty of players who can easily fill his role, his time with Team Melli should end.❌ NO
16Mehdi TorabiCMA versatile player who still has a lot to offer Team Melli, but only if he is given consistent playing time.⚠️ YES
17Arya YousefiLFHas not been given many minutes, but he remains a solid player with lots of potential to develop.✅ YES
18Amirhossein HosseinzadehFWWas not given the opportunity to prove himself as a capable replacement for Taremi. He has scoring instincts, powerful shots, and vision. Deserves more chances.✅ YES
19Ali NematiCBNot a solid central defender, but could be useful on the wings. He can be omitted if better players are available.⚠️ CONDITIONAL
20Shahriyar MoghanlouCFThis player has little to no value for Team Melli. His inclusion was a mistake, especially considering Sardar Azmoun was left out. Should never be included in future squads.❌ NO
21Mohammad GhorbaniCMA defensive midfielder who has shown a good standard at the club level. Was not given enough time at the World Cup, but he is worthy of a place in the Asian Cup squad.✅ YES
23Ramin RezaeianRBThe best performer in the squad. He seems to get better with age, scoring two goals (while no forward managed even one). A certain member of the squad for the Asian Cup.✅ YES
24Dennis DargahiMFThe fans and pundits have never seen this player in action. Common sense dictates that if he were good enough, he would have played. A wasted slot.❌ NO
25Danial IriCDMuch positive talk has been said about this player, yet he did not get a minute of play. Should be integrated into the squad.✅ YES
26Amirmohammad RazaghiniaMFThere is no doubt he should be in the squad. Young, strong, and capable of playing in midfield or as a winger.✅ YES

Building for the Future: The "New Blood" Pool

To facilitate a proper transition, Team Melli must immediately look to integrate these players—either proven stars left at home or promising youngsters who have been knocking on the door.

The Obvious Returns (Must be selected):

  • Sardar Azmoun (FW): Ignoring him was a tactical travesty. He remains the nation's most lethal striker.
  • Ali Gholizadeh (MF): His creativity and pace were sorely missed because of the injury.
  • Omid Noorafkan (MF): Provides excellent versatility and energy.
  • Majid Hosseini (DF): A solid, dependable defender who should have been in the squad.
  • Allahyar Sayyadmanesh (FW): The young striker needs minutes to realize his immense potential.

The Youth & Uncapped Prospects (Pool for National Team Camp):

  • Amirhossein Mahmoudi (FW)
  • Amin Hezbavi (DF)
  • Mohammad Khalifa (GK)
  • Nima Andarz (DF)
  • Mohammad Javad Hosseinnejad (MF)
  • Kasra Taheri (FW)
  • Yousef Mazraeh (LW)
  • Esmaeil Gholizadeh (MF)
  • Mahan Sadeghi (MF)
  • Alireza Koushki (FW)
  • Mehdi Hashiminejad (FW)
  • Saman Fallah (DF)

Conclusion: The Path Forward

To compete in the 2027 AFC Asian Cup—let alone qualify for the next World Cup—Team Melli must abandon its nostalgia and complacency. The era of honoring veteran players over merit must end. The performance in 2026 should serve as a wake-up call, not a banner of defiance.

The Federation has three clear tasks:

  1. Appoint a competent coach who understands the need for transition and is not afraid to drop underperforming stars.
  2. Immediately integrate senior players who have not featured, like Azmoun, Gholizadeh, and the uncapped prospects.
  3. Develop a modern tactical identity that moves away from ineffective, ultra-defensive "death or glory" tactics to a more balanced, possession-based game.

If Iran continues to lean on a fragile status quo, they will find themselves falling further behind rising Asian powers. The next few months will define the trajectory of Iranian football for the next decade. The question is: will they take the hard road to glory, or the easy road to mediocrity?

Ghalenoei's Reign of Mediocrity – How Iran's World Cup Dream Was Wasted by Incompetence

The Inquest Begins: Ghalenoei's Failures Leave Iran's World Cup Dream in Tatters

A Golden Opportunity, Squandered

This was supposed to be Iran's moment. With three winnable matches, a favorable group draw, and a squad boasting genuine quality, Team Melli had perhaps the most hopeful—and certainly the easiest—opportunity to qualify out of the group stage in the entire history of their World Cup participation. Instead, they leave with unfinished business, unanswered questions, and the bitter taste of what might have been.

The excuses are already being prepared. The Iranian Football Federation (FFIRI) has begun circulating the usual litany of justifications: Iran was the most oppressed team in the tournament; the Americans made life deliberately difficult; the logistical hurdles were insurmountable. These narratives, recycled after every failure, have become a convenient smokescreen—hiding the bitter truth that an incompetent and self-serving establishment has run Iranian football into the ground for decades, systematically preventing natural progress.

Ghalenoei's Culpability: A Catalogue of Errors

When it comes to World Cup performance, the head coach and his assistants must bear the brunt of responsibility. Amir Ghalenoei's failures were numerous, repeated, and inexcusable—and they began long before the first whistle blew in Los Angeles.

The Azmoun Exclusion: A Tactical Crime

Months ago, when Ghalenoei announced his preliminary training camp squad, the exclusion of Sardar Azmoun bordered on a tactical crime. Iran's most ready, most competent striker—a player with proven pedigree at the highest level—was left at home without any credible explanation. Ghalenoei has yet to offer a satisfactory reason for this omission, and the void left by Azmoun's absence was glaring throughout the campaign.

Beyond the Azmoun debacle, Ghalenoei's player selection was suspect at best. He leaned heavily on a core of players over 30, ignoring several promising young talents who could have injected energy and freshness into the squad. This was not a team built for the future—it was a team built for comfort, familiarity, and short-term expediency.

Tactical Bankruptcy: Route One Football

Ghalenoei's tactical failures were equally damning. His insistence on "route one" football—referred to derisively in Iran as "Ali Asghari" football—was exposed time and again. Against New Zealand, the team that would later be handsomely beaten by both Belgium and Egypt, Iran struggled to impose any coherent attacking pattern. The long-ball strategy may have suited a squad with pace and aerial dominance, but Iran possessed neither in sufficient measure.

His reading of the game was poor; his substitutions, extremely so. Against Belgium, the baffling decision to introduce Alireza Jahanbakhsh—who offered nothing—while leaving more dynamic options on the bench was emblematic of a coach who simply does not trust his squad. Against Egypt, the failure to adjust tactics when it became clear that Taremi was isolated and ineffective was inexcusable.

Out of His Depth

The uncomfortable truth is that Ghalenoei is out of his depth at the international level. He lacks the charisma, character, and technical know-how to lead Iran at the highest level of football. Compared with other opponent coaches,ff, Ghalenoei appeared reactive, hesitant, and ultimately outmatched. This is not a coach who inspires confidence—it is a coach who inspires anxiety.

Taremi: A Captain's Failure

While leaving your best forward out of the squad is inexplicable, the other best forward—Mehdi Taremi—proved to be one of the tournament's major disappointments. With 60 goals to his name as Iran's active top scorer, Taremi carried the weight of the nation's expectations. He failed to deliver. The missed penalty against Egypt—a spot-kick that would have changed the complexion of the match and perhaps the entire campaign—was the defining moment of his tournament. A captain must lead by example; Taremi's body language, decision-making, and finishing all fell short when it mattered most.

A Cycle of Failure

The fear among Iranian football fans is that Ghalenoei is going nowhere soon. Despite repeated failures and heartbreaks, he is expected to remain at the helm for the AFC Asian Cup 2027. The reason is simple: Ghalenoei pulls the right strings and wields considerable influence alongside his ally, FFIRI President Mehdi Taj. Taj himself is untouchable, protected by powerful connections that insulate him from accountability. This toxic partnership ensures that mediocrity is rewarded, and genuine progress is stifled.

The Illusion of Renewal

While everyone expects a new generation of players to emerge after this failure, fans should not place their hopes too high with Ghalenoei still in charge. He has shown no inclination to rebuild, no appetite for youth development, and no capacity for tactical evolution. The squad will age, the opportunities will diminish, and the cycle of failure will continue—unless the federation finally acts or forces more powerful than the federation.

A Final Word on the Excuses

Let us be clear: the Americans and FIFA undoubtedly made life difficult for Team Melli. The logistical hurdles, the visa games, and the political posturing were all real and unacceptable. But let us also remember that Iraq won the AFC Asian Cup in 2007, just years after their country was devastated by war. They overcame unimaginable adversity, not by complaining about it, but by rising above it. Iran's excuses ring hollow when compared to such resilience.

The Verdict

Iran's World Cup campaign will be remembered not for the moments of brilliance—Beiranvand's heroics, Rezaeian's stunning equalizer—but for the opportunities squandered. A favorable group, a talented squad, and a golden chance to make history—all wasted by a coach who was simply not up to the task.

The inquest has begun. The question is whether anyone in Iranian football has the courage to act on its findings.

The Eckert Enigma: A VIP Passenger or a Secret Weapon? The Question Ghalenoei Must Answer

When Dennis Eckert boarded the plane to the United States alongside 25 other Team Melli players, his luggage carried no international caps, no national team pedigree—not even a single minute of competitive football for Iran. His inclusion on the World Cup roster is, by any measure, an anomaly so striking that it borders on the unprecedented in Iranian football history.

To be fair, a deep dive into the annals of Iran’s World Cup campaigns—particularly the 1978 edition in Argentina—might unearth a rare outlier. But even if a precedent exists, the sight of a completely uncapped player being fast-tracked into the world’s most unforgiving tournament remains a statistical and tactical oddity. Yet, the true controversy is not merely that he is on the list; it is why he is not on the pitch.

This is the question that must be levelled directly at head coach Amir Ghalenoei. If Dennis is technically gifted enough to survive multiple selection filters and earn a place in the final 26-man squad—if he is genuinely considered superior to Sardar Azmoun, a striker with 57 goals in 91 international outings—then why did he not feature for a single minute in Iran’s opening match? Why was he neither in the starting eleven nor even summoned from the bench?

In the cold, unforgiving logic of professional football, such contradictions are inexcusable. You do not place your trust in a player for the sport’s grandest stage and then withhold from him the smallest on-field responsibility. These two actions are fundamentally incompatible. If Eckert is not destined to play, then one of the most precious World Cup quotas has been effectively squandered—a spot that could have been awarded to a player genuinely capable of contributing to the team’s cause in moments of crisis.

Conversely, if Ghalenoei truly believes that Eckert possesses the key to unlock stubborn defences, then what justification exists for this tactical paralysis? The World Cup is not a laboratory for experimentation, nor a theatre for diplomatic niceties. It is a short, ruthless tournament where opportunities evaporate in an instant and errors are rarely forgiven. Ghalenoei, notably, found time to grant Ehsan Hajsafi a record-breaking appearance, yet Eckert—whose administrative dossier consumed weeks of bureaucratic wrangling, requiring exceptions to Iranian citizenship laws—was apparently an afterthought.

Now, only two group-stage matches remain. Two decisive 90-minute windows that may either break the spell of Eckert’s non-appearance or condemn him to the role of a mere special passenger in Team Melli’s convoy—a curiosity rather than a contributor.

Should the latter scenario unfold, it will undoubtedly become one of the defining questions of Iran’s 2026 World Cup campaign: How does a player travel to football’s greatest spectacle without a single international cap, yet never set foot on the field? That is a question not merely for Ghalenoei to answer, but one for which he must be held accountable.

The fans deserve clarity. Is Dennis Eckert Dargahi a ceremonial VIP guest, benefiting from influence beyond his on-field résumé, or is he a clandestine tactical asset, a secret weapon Ghalenoei intends to unleash upon an unsuspecting world? With swirling allegations of agents brokering squad places and "pay-to-play" infiltration tarnishing the team’s reputation, these are not idle curiosities—they are urgent demands for transparency.

The clock is ticking. The answers cannot wait until after the final whistle.

Official: Sardar Azmoun Excluded from 2026 World Cup

Team Melli and Iranian football fans hoping to see Sardar Azmoun participate in his third consecutive World Cup will not have their wish fulfilled.

One of the best goalscorers in the history of Iranian national football will not accompany Team Melli at the 2026 World Cup in the United States. Azmoun, the Shabab Al-Ahli striker, was initially dropped from the national team following the publication of a controversial post on his Instagram account, which showed him with Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

In recent weeks, renewed efforts were made to resolve the misunderstandings and bring back this key figure of the national team. Azmoun himself expressed his desire to continue working with the team by sharing an emotional post. However, despite various mediation attempts aimed at clearing the air for the return of the talented striker, his participation will not be possible due to FIFA's strict World Cup regulations.

Azmoun's situation came to light when his name was absent from the 55-man preliminary list that teams are required to submit to FIFA. Strangely enough, the reason for his omission was that he personally failed to complete the necessary administrative procedures within the stipulated time to be included in the 52-man list. Although the national team coaching staff did not fill the entire list, leaving three vacancies, the process of resolving the obstacles took too long. By the time efforts were completed, the deadline for submitting the preliminary squad had passed, and FIFA would not accept any new names being added to that list.

Sardar Azmoun (31 years old) has played 91 times for Team Melli. He has scored 57 goals and ranks as the third all-time leading scorer after the legendary Ali Daei and current Team Melli captain Mehdi Taremi.

Azmoun has mostly played professionally in Europe, starting with Rubin Kazan, Rostov, Zenit Saint Petersburg, Bayer Leverkusen, and AS Roma before moving to Shabab Al-Ahli in Dubai, where he won the league title and the Best Scorer award.

The undoubtedly talented striker has had his fair share of controversy off the pitch. At 23, he announced his retirement from Team Melli after being criticized by some fans. He was an activist during the Mahsa Amini protests. Xabi Alonso, the then Bayer Leverkusen head coach, fired him from the team after his late arrival at the training camp without informing the club or seeking the coach's approval.

 Persian version



تیم ملی و هواداران فوتبال ایران که امیدوار بودند سردار آزمون را در سومین جام جهانی متوالی ببینند، آرزویشان برآورده نخواهد شد.

یکی از بهترین گلزنان تاریخ فوتبال ملی ایران در جام جهانی ۲۰۲۶ آمریکا همراه تیم ملی نخواهد بود. آزمون، مهاجم الشباب امارات، ابتدا پس از انتشار یک پست جنجالی در اینستاگرامش از تیم ملی کنار گذاشته شد؛ پستی که او را در کنار شیخ محمد بن راشد آل مکتوم، حاکم دبی، نشان می‌داد.

در هفته‌های اخیر، تلاش‌های تازه‌ای برای رفع سوءتفاهم‌ها و بازگرداندن این چهره کلیدی به تیم ملی صورت گرفت. خود آزمون نیز با انتشار پستی احساسی، تمایلش را برای ادامه همکاری با تیم ملی ابراز کرد. با این حال، علیرغم میانجی‌گری‌های متعدد برای هموار کردن مسیر بازگشت این مهاجم بااستعداد، حضور او به دلیل قوانین سختگیرانه فیفا در جام جهانی ممکن نخواهد بود.

ماجرای آزمون زمانی برملا شد که نام او در فهرست ۵۵ نفره ابتدایی که تیم‌ها موظف به ارائه به فیفا هستند، دیده نمی‌شد. جالب اینکه دلیل غیبت او این بود که خودش شخصاً نتوانسته بود تشریفات اداری لازم را برای قرار گرفتن در فهرست ۵۲ نفره در مهلت مقرر انجام دهد. اگرچه کادر فنی تیم ملی کل فهرست را پر نکرده بود و سه جای خالی وجود داشت، اما فرآیند رفع موانع بسیار طول کشید. زمانی که تلاش‌ها به پایان رسید، مهلت ارسال فهرست مقدماتی به پایان رسیده بود و فیفا دیگر قبول نمی‌کرد نام جدیدی به آن فهرست اضافه شود.

سردار آزمون (۳۱ ساله) ۹۱ بار برای تیم ملی به میدان رفته است. او ۵۷ گل به ثمر رسانده و پس از علی دایی افسانه‌ای و مهدی طارمی کاپیتان فعلی تیم ملی، سومین گلزن برتر تاریخ ایران محسوب می‌شود.

آزمون بیشتر دوران حرفه‌ای خود را در اروپا گذرانده است؛ از روبین کازان، روستوف، زنیت سن‌پترزبورگ، بایر لورکوزن و آ اس رم شروع کرد و سپس به الشباب دبی پیوست، جایی که قهرمانی لیگ و عنوان آقای گلی را به دست آورد.

این مهاجم بی‌تردید بااستعداد، سهم خود را از جنجال‌های خارج از زمین نیز داشته است. در ۲۳ سالگی، پس از انتقاد برخی هواداران، بازنشستگی خود را از تیم ملی اعلام کرد. او در جریان اعتراضات مهسا امینی یک کنشگر بود. ژابی آلونسو، سرمربی وقت بایر لورکوزن، او را پس از دیر رسیدن به اردوی تمرینی بدون اطلاع باشگاه یا جلب موافقت سرمربی، از تیم اخراج کرد.

A Few Words from the Heart: Message from Sardar Azmoun.

Salam

I want to say a few words—truly from the bottom of my heart—about things that many people may not fully know, or about which they may have rushed to judge me because of misunderstandings and distance from the truth.

I still remember it like yesterday. Years ago, when I was only 17 years old—before I was even invited to Team Melli by Mr. Queiroz—I received a massive financial offer from another country. But my answer never changed. I said, "I am a son of Iran, and I will only play for the people of my homeland. I want to make them happy." The very first time I pulled that white shirt over my chest, I made a silent promise to myself: every single time I play for Iran, I will run, fight, and give everything I have to bring joy to the people who love football with pure hearts—especially the children growing up in the remotest villages and the most forgotten corners of our land. I want their smiles to come from our victories.

I never once stepped onto that pitch without pride. When we won together, I felt like the luckiest man alive, proud of every one of my teammates. And when we lost? I was the saddest person in the world—just like every single fan who cried with us. Because I love this game, yes, but more than that, I love the good, loyal, and beautiful people of Iran. They have always given me energy. Their love and unwavering support have carried me through my darkest days.

Many of you already know some of the small things I have tried to do over the years—reserving every hotel in Gonbad to keep our people safe during those twelve terrible days of conflict, bringing clean drinking water to remote villages in Golestan, and supporting the women athletes of our country in volleyball, basketball, and cycling. These are not favors. These are drops from an ocean of love I hold inside me for Iran and every Iranian. And to this day, I have never—not once—held back any effort to help my fellow countrymen.

Wherever I go in this world, wherever I play football, my identity does not change. My heart beats only for Iran. My pride belongs to Iran. I am a footballer, yes. I love football with every fiber of my being. But everything I have ever achieved, everything, comes first from the grace of God, and then from the sweat, the sacrifice, and the endless love of my dear people. For that love, I will remain grateful until my last breath.

I wish success, glory, and pride to my national team, to every player, every coach, and especially to Amir Khan in the World Cup. God willing, my brothers, you will go out there and fight. You will make the hearts of the Iranian people swell with joy. I will be watching, and I will be cheering louder than anyone.

With all my soul,
— Sardar Azmoun

The Cost of Exclusion: Why Omitting Azmoun Weakens Iran’s World Cup Dream

The Iranian striker of Shabab Al-Ahli has broken his silence—indirectly—over his controversial omission from the national team squad.

After being unexpectedly left out of Team Melli’s FIFA World Cup 2026 roster and missing two preparatory friendlies against Nigeria and Costa Rica, Sardar Azmoun had hoped for a recall under head coach Ghalenoei. His goal was clear: to earn a place in the 30-man preliminary list for the FIFA World Cup 2026. That call, however, never came.

Iran’s third-highest goalscorer of all time has now taken an indirect but telling stance on the matter. Azmoun, who faced sharp criticism early in the third imposed war against Iran for posting (and quickly deleting) a photo with the ruler of Dubai on his Instagram page, and who previously missed a national team training camp, will now be absent from the United States. In a bid to rebuild bridges, he recently posted a picture of himself in the national team jersey on his Instagram profile—an apparent gesture of regret and a signal of his readiness to return. But it was not enough. The door remained closed, and Azmoun was ultimately left out of the 2026 World Cup.

The exclusion of Sardar Azmoun, arguably the finest Iranian striker of his generation alongside Mehdi Taremi, is a glaring injustice and a stark example of how political influence continues to plague Iranian football. This is not the first time Team Melli has been deprived of its best talents. The pattern dates back to the 1978 FIFA World Cup, when Parviz Ghelichkhani, the most decorated player in Iranian football history, was expelled from the squad by the Shah’s regime due to his anti-establishment political activities.


In a political sense, Azmoun is no Ghelichkhani. He can hardly be labeled a political opposition figure in any meaningful sense. Ghleechkhani was arrested and paraded in front of the national Television with a forced reading of his guilt. He was incarcerated and then pleaded for clemency. Nothing like that has happened in Azmoun's case. However, a combination of poor timing, a lack of shrewdness, and occasional petulance has landed him in hot water. Yet, he is far from the only senior member of the current squad guilty of indiscipline or indiscretion. Many players on this roster have committed similar, if not worse, lapses in judgment. The difference with Azmoun lies not in the nature of his actions, but in the timing.

The consequences of this wrong decision are clear: Team Melli, which desperately needs Azmoun’s clinical finishing, movement, and big-game experience, will enter the 2026 World Cup without one of its most potent offensive weapons. His absence weakens Iran’s attacking depth and removes a player capable of changing a match against elite opposition. In tight group-stage encounters, where goals are at a premium, the lack of a striker of Azmoun’s caliber could prove catastrophic.

According to insiders and unconfirmed reports, FFIRI was allegedly helpless, as the final decision lay beyond their control, suggesting higher authorities ruled on Azmoun's exclusion. Whether true or not, the outcome remains the same.

In the end, it is not the officials, not the coaches, and not even Azmoun himself who will suffer most. It will be the millions of Team Melli fans across the globe, passionate, long-suffering, and loyal, who will feel the sting of his absence deepest.

Once again, politics has triumphed over football, and the beautiful game has lost.

Iran announces preliminary 30 players list for the World Cup.

Agence France-Presse

Iran’s World Cup squad will travel to Turkey on Monday for a training camp, friendlies and to complete visa applications before heading to the United States.

Team Melli will be returning to Antalya, where they trained and played friendlies in March.

They are taking a squad of 30 players, which will have to be trimmed to the World Cup maximum of 26. Perhaps the best known is 33-year-old former Porto striker Mehdi Taremi, now with Olympiacos.

“Selecting 30 players for this final training camp ahead of the World Cup was the most difficult technical decision of my coaching career,” head coach Amir Ghalenoei told the Iranian football federation website, adding he had selected players solely on “technical criteria”.

Iran hope to play two friendlies in Antalya. They have already confirmed one match, against Gambia, on May 29, said Sam Mehdizadeh, an Iranian-Canadian who heads a company that sets up friendlies for the team.

Iran and the US cut diplomatic ties in 1980 and the players are expected to use their time in Turkey to complete the necessary procedures for obtaining visas.

“No visas have been issued yet,” Mehdi Taj, the Iranian football federation head, told Iranian media.

Taj said players were expected to undergo fingerprinting in Turkey as part of the visa process but wished to avoid a trip of more than 280 miles (450km) from Antalya to Ankara.

Taj is expected to hold talks with Fifa president Gianni Infantino as Tehran seeks assurances for its squad amid tensions increased by the ongoing war.

He and the Iranian delegation met with Turkish football federation (TFF) president Ibrahim Ethem Haciosmanoglu and Mattias Grafstrom, the Fifa secretary general, on Saturday in Istanbul.

Dennis Dargahi , the German Iranian player, was recently added to Team Mell

“During this meeting, assessments were made regarding the training camp and preparations planned by the Iranian national team in Turkey ahead of the World Cup,” the TFF said on social media.

When the squad reaches the US, Iran will set up their base camp in Tucson, Arizona.
They are expected to kick off their World Cup campaign against New Zealand in Los Angeles on 15 June, before facing Belgium in the same city and then Egypt in Seattle, in Group G.

INITIAL 30 MAN ROSTER.

Goalkeepers: Alireza Beiranvand, Seyed Hossein Hosseini, Mohammad Khalifa, Payam Niazmand

Defenders: Daniyal Iri, Ehsan Hajsafi, Saleh Hardani, Hossein Kananizadegan, Shoja Khalilzadeh, Milad Mohammadi, Ali Nemati, Omid Noorafkan, Ramin Rezaian, Aria Yousefi

Midfielders: Roozbeh Cheshmi, Saeed Ezzatollahi, Mehdi Ghaedi, Saman Ghoddos, Mohammad Ghorbani, Alireza Jahanbakhsh, Mohammad Mohebi, Amir Mohammad Razaghinia, Mehdi Torabi.

Forwards: Ali Alipour, Dennis Dargahi (AKA Dennis Eckert), Hadi Habibinejad, Amir Hossein Hosseinzadeh, Amir Hossein Mahmoudi, Kasra Taheri, and Mehdi Taremi

MAJOR ABSENTEES:

There is no place on this list for Sardar Azmoun (the third-highest scorer in Iranian history) due to non-sporting reasons. Also, Allahyar Sayyadmanesh (winger for Belgian team Westerlo) has been excluded, while the rising star Mohammad Javad Hosseinnejad (a young midfielder playing in Russia).
Other absentees include Ali Gholizadeh, Lech Poznan winger, who suffered a serious injury in the Polish League.

Mehdi Taj "Iran Ready for World Cup, despite US government hostalities"

The head of the Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran (FFIRI) has addressed the situation of the national football team regarding the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, expressing deep concern over American hostility while reaffirming Iran's determination to prepare vigorously for the tournament.

"Given the evils of the American authorities, we do not see a favorable prospect for holding the World Cup under current conditions," the FFIRI chief stated. "Nevertheless, we are preparing ourselves for a strong and honorable presence in these competitions."

He confirmed that the list of national team players for the upcoming camp has been announced, with training set to begin Monday at the national teams' camp in Tehran. "Our effort is to ensure that there is no disruption to the national team's preparation process," he added.

Common Goal: World Cup Qualification and Honor

Referring to Team Melli's objectives, the FFIRI head emphasized national unity: "All our efforts are to prepare the national team for a strong presence on the path to qualifying for the World Cup. The federation, the country's sports complex, and the people all support the national team. Our common goal is to advance and participate honorably in the World Cup."

Request to Move Matches to Mexico. No Final Decision Yet

Regarding the FFIRI's formal request to change the venue for Iran's matches from the United States to Mexico, the official provided an update: "Requests have been made, and follow-ups are ongoing regarding moving the venue of the games to Mexico. However, FIFA has already carried out processes such as ticket sales, the lottery, and stadium determinations. Any change requires extensive coordination. We are following up so that this important step can be taken if possible."

He clarified that no final decision has been made, and the outcome depends on FIFA's cooperation and security assurances from host authorities.
The FIFA President has already confirmed that there is no chance of Iran's matches being moved to Mexico.

Warm-up Match with Spain Still Under Review

On the possibility of a friendly match with Spain, the FFIRI head said: "The match with Spain has not yet been finalized for cancellation. We are still discussing whether the conditions for holding this warm-up match will be met. This issue is being followed up, and an announcement will be made if it is finalized."

No Interference in Player Selection – Denis Eckert Addition Planned

Addressing rumors about Sardar Azmoun's invitation to the national team camp, the FFIRI chief stressed: "The head of the federation does not interfere in the selection or invitation of any player. The selection of players, determining the main squad, and selecting warm-up opponents are within the authority of the national team head coach. The federation does not interfere in which player must be in the permanent squad or in technical decisions. We provide the frameworks and facilities; the technical decisions are the responsibility of the head coach."
The exclusion of Sardar Azmoun from Iran's last two friendlies against Nigeria and Costa Rica, allegedly over a social media post showing him with the Ruler of Dubai, has become the catalyst for what many view as a politically motivated decision. To date, no official explanation has been provided for his absence. Neither the FFIRI, head coach Amir Ghalenoei, nor any other authoritative source has offered a reason for sidelining Team Melli's second-highest all-time scorer.

The lack of transparency has fueled speculation, especially given that Azmoun is now fully fit and is set to play in the AFC Champions League Elite semi-final on Monday.

Mehdi Taj also confirmed a new addition: "We have planned to add a striker from Belgium, Denis Eckert, to the national team."

Azmoun kicked off national team for disloyalty, say reports!

March 20 (Reuters) - Sardar Azmoun, one of Iran's top soccer players, has been expelled from the national team for a perceived act of disloyalty to the government, Iranian media has reported, making it unlikely he will play any part in the World Cup.

Iran's participation in the World Cup as a whole is under a cloud because of the ongoing conflict with the United States, which is co-hosting the June 11-July 19 tournament with Mexico and Canada.

If Team Melli do turn up for their opening-round group matches, they will undoubtedly be weakened by the absence of striker Azmoun, who has scored 57 goals in 91 internationals since making his debut as a teenager in 2014.

Azmoun, who plays his club football in the United Arab Emirates for Shabab Al-Ahli, upset the Iranian authorities this week by posting a picture on his Instagram feed of a meeting with Dubai's ruler, Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

Iran has launched rocket and drone attacks on the UAE following air strikes by the United States and Israel, which killed the country's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

A report on the Fars News Agency, which has links to the hardline Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, cited "an informed source within the national team" as saying Azmoun had been expelled from the squad.

PICTURES REMOVED

Azmoun later removed the pictures but was still lambasted on state TV on Thursday, with football pundit Mohammad Misaghi saying the striker's actions had been an act of disloyalty.

"It's unfortunate that you don't have enough sense to understand what kind of behaviour is appropriate at a given time," Misaghi said.

"We should not mince words with such people. They should be told that they are not worthy of wearing the national team jersey.

"We have no patience for this sulking and childish behaviour. National team players should be people who proudly belt out the national anthem and deserve to wear the Iran jersey."

There was no immediate response to a request for comment on the matter from the Football Federation of the Islamic Republic of Iran (FFIRI).

Azmoun, 31, is one of the best-known footballers in Iran, where the game is a national obsession.

He has played his entire club career abroad with stints at Zenit Saint Petersburg, Bayer Leverkusen and Roma, as well as featuring for Iran in the 2018 and 2022 World Cups.

An unsourced report on the Navad News channel said on Thursday that an order had been issued for the seizure of the assets of Azmoun, another UAE-based national team forward Mehdi Ghayedi, and former international Soroush Rafiei.

Misaghi was speaking against the backdrop of pictures of a ceremony welcoming the Iranian women's national team back to Tehran on their return from Australia.

Seven of the delegation accepted asylum in Australia after the team was branded "wartime traitors" on Iranian state TV for not singing the national anthem before a Women's Asian Cup match. Five later decided to return to Iran.

Iran's men are scheduled to play friendly internationals in Antalya, Turkey, against Nigeria on March 27 and Costa Rica four days later as part of their World Cup preparations.

Minutes Played Reveals Iran's True Iron Men

The record books show Javad Nekounam stands alone with 157 caps for Team Melli, surpassing the iconic Ali Daei. However, this metric only tells part of the story. When total minutes on the pitch are calculated, a different legend emerges: Ali Daei remains the untouchable pinnacle of Iranian football endurance, ruling supreme over all players, past and present.

The table below ranks the top 25 Iranian footballers by total minutes played, revealing a fascinating narrative of longevity across generations.

A testament to his extraordinary legacy, Parviz Ghalenoei's name still appears on this list a half-century later, holding the 22nd position. Now 78 and in exile, Ghalenoei was just 18 years old when he made his debut in a historic match against East Germany at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. His international career was abruptly cut short in 1977 due to his anti-government political activities, yet his impact remains etched in the record books.

He is joined from that era by the revered Ali Parvin, who occupies the 19th spot. Parvin completes a unique trifecta in Iranian football history, having served Team Melli with distinction as a player, captain, and later as a coach.

What makes their achievements truly staggering is the context of their era. With far fewer international matches played in the last century, the high minute totals of Ghalenoei and Parvin underscore their immense consistency and indispensable role in the team, cementing their status as household names decades later.

From the current generation, only three active players have cracked this exclusive list: Mehdi Taremi, Sardar Azmoun, and Saeid Ezatolahi. With many playing years likely ahead of them, their ascent up the rankings seems inevitable. However, closing the gap on the monumental total set by Ali Daei remains a truly daunting task, a challenge that defines the ultimate test of longevity in Iranian football.

RankNameMinutesStarterSubCaps
1Ali DAEI13,0661456151
2Javad NEKOUNAM12,65614413157
3Ali KARIMI10,20212010130
4Ehsan HAJSAFI9,89911823141
5Jalal HOSSEINI9,6191077114
6Mehdi MAHDAVIKIA9,1541074111
7Andranik TEYMOURIAN7,8489011101
8Karim BAGHERI7,29384387
9Hossein KAEBI7,24884892
10Mehdi TAREMI7,152841599
11Javad ZARINCHEH6,96080181
12Ebrahim MIRZAPOUR6,82479079
13Alireza BEIRANVAND6,81681081
14Mehdi RAHMATI6,68174276
15Yahya GOLMOHAMMADI6,63180282
16Ahmadreza ABEDZADEH6,59674377
17Mohammad NOSRATI6,56174983
18Sardar AZMOUN6,453771491
19Ali PARVIN6,18968472
20Hamidreza ESTILI6,16572981
21Afshin PEYROVANI6,00066268
22Parviz GHLEECHKHANI5,90667067
23Hadi AGHILI5,77166369
24Saeid EZATOLAHI5,662661278
25Alireza VAHEDI-NIKBAKHT5,610661076