Iran's 2026 World Cup squad: Taremi leads the way as Azmoun left out

⚡ Key points AI generated

Mehdi Taremi (33 years old) is named captain and leads Iran's call-up for the 2026 World Cup, accompanied by veterans such as Jahanbakhsh, Ezatolahi and goalkeeper Beiranvand
Iran seeks to break their historic group stage ceiling in their seventh World Cup participation, competing in Group G alongside Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand
Sardar Azmoun is left out of the call-up in a much-discussed absence in the country, while the delegation will travel to North America via Spain due to visa issues

Iran is one of Asia's most consistent sides and returns to a World Cup (Group G) with the frustration of never having progressed beyond the group stage. They face their seventh World Cup with a historic objective: to advance from the group for the first time.

🌟 Mehdi Taremi (33) is the captain and their number one threat. Around him, experience with Jahanbakhsh, Ezatolahi and goalkeeper Beiranvand.

✈️ Fun fact: due to visa drama, Team Melli will travel to North America via Spain. Football and geopolitics, hand in hand.

❌ The bombshell: Sardar Azmoun misses out on the World Cup, a much-discussed absence back home.

🎯 Seventh World Cup appearance for one of Asia's giants. With Taremi as their standard-bearer and an experienced squad, Iran finally seeks to break through their group stage ceiling.

📋 Full squad · Manager: Amir Ghalenoei

🧤 Goalkeepers

Alireza Beiranvand, Hossein Hosseini, Payam Niazmand

🛡️ Defenders

Danial Eiri, Ehsan Hajsafi, Saleh Hardani, Hossein Kanaani, Shoja Khalilzadeh, Milad Mohammadi, Ali Nemati, Ramin Rezaeian

⚙️ Midfielders

Rouzbeh Cheshmi, Saeid Ezatolahi, Mehdi Ghaedi, Saman Ghoddos, Mohammad Ghorbani, Alireza Jahanbakhsh, Mohammad Mohebi, Amir Mohammad Razzaghinia, Mehdi Torabi, Aria Yousefi

⚽ Forwards

Ali Alipour, Dennis Dargahi, Amirhossein Hosseinzadeh, Mehdi Taremi (captain), Shahriar Moghanlou

🏆 Group G

⚽ Opponents: Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand

⚽ Don't miss a minute

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Frequently asked questions

Who is Iran's coach for the 2026 World Cup?

Amir Ghalenoei is Iran's coach for the 2026 World Cup.

Which group is Iran in at the 2026 World Cup?

Iran is in Group G of the 2026 World Cup, alongside Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand.

How many players does Iran call up for the 2026 World Cup?

Iran names a squad of 26 players for the 2026 World Cup, in line with the FIFA format established for the tournament.

Where does Iran play its matches at the 2026 World Cup?

The 2026 World Cup takes place in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Iran plays in Group G against Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand.

Irán Convocatoria Mundial 2026 Taremi Azmoun Ghalenoei Grupo G

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