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Iran omits Sardar Azmoun from World Cup squad over social media incident

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 2, 2026, 9:26 AM

Last updated Jun 2, 2026

Iran omits Sardar Azmoun from World Cup squad over social media incident

Summary

Iran announced its squad for the World Cup, revealing that Sardar Azmoun, a prominent forward known as the 'Iranian Messi,' is absent. Azmoun, currently with Shabab AlAhli Dubai FC, was deemed ineligible after sharing a controversial photo on Instagram with Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. This post, which was quickly deleted, led to accusations of disloyalty from Iranian authorities. Iran is set to compete in Group G alongside Belgium, Egypt, and New Zealand.

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By the Numbers

•Sardar Azmoun left off Iran's World Cup roster.
•Accusations of 'treason' linked to a social media post.
•Azmoun currently plays for Shabab AlAhli Dubai FC.
•Iran is grouped with Belgium, Egypt, and New Zealand.

Latest Updates

9:26 AMYahoo Sports — Star man for his team, he'll miss the World Cup over betrayal 🤯

What they're saying

"
The axe has fallen.This Monday, Iran unveiled its list of players called up to compete in the World Cup. One major absence stands out: that of Sardar Azmoun, the “Iranian Messi,” a 31-year-old st...
— Yahoo Sports

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