Iranian players will not be part of the 2026 World Cup because of actions that displeased the government of Iran.
On 2 June 2026, Sardar Azmoun, a forward for the Iranian national team, was removed from the 26-player roster set to compete in the 2026 World Cup due to the government's dissatisfaction with his off-field behavior.
Azmoun, 31, who plays professionally for Shabab Al Ahli Club in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, angered Iranian authorities in March when he posted a photo on Instagram of himself meeting Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the UAE Prime Minister.
During a time when Iran was in conflict with the U.S. and Israel, this act was seen as inappropriate because the UAE had been targeted by Iran during that conflict. Although Azmoun later deleted the photo, he still faced heavy criticism from Iranian government media.
Azmoun has scored 57 goals in 91 appearances for the national team and is regarded as one of the best forwards Iran has ever produced.