Story perspectives

Iran Names 26-Man Squad, Cuts Azmoun, Shifts Base to Tijuana

6/2/2026

Summary

Ghalenoei Announces Squad

Coach Amir Ghalenoei announced a 26-man World Cup squad that omits forward Sardar Azmoun.
Veterans Mehdi Taremi (Olympiacos) and Alireza Jahanbakhsh (Dender) will lead Iran’s attack.
Iran relocated its training base from Arizona, United States, to Tijuana, Mexico after the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) approved the move.
Iran will face New Zealand on June 15 and Belgium on June 21 in Los Angeles, then Egypt in Seattle on June 26 or June 27.

Summary

Iran Visa Hurdles

Iranian ambassador to Mexico said national team players have not yet received U.S. visas for the World Cup, prompting the squad to move its training camp to Tijuana and exposing diplomatic hurdles.
Sardar Azmoun drew criticism after posting a photo with the UAE premier and faced backlash for supporting protesters after Mahsa Amini’s death.
Saman Ghoddos and Saeid Ezatolahi are contracted to UAE clubs, showing squad’s reliance on Gulf talent.

Summary

Iran Trains Antalya

Iran will train in Antalya, Turkey before moving to its World Cup base in Tijuana.
Seventeen players have not played since February because of the war.
Five members are contracted to United Arab Emirates clubs, the most UAE-based players Iran has taken to a World Cup.
If Iran and United States finish second in Group G, they could meet in the round of 32 July 3 at Dallas stadium in Arlington, Texas.

History

Historical Context

In 1998 Iran qualified by beating Australia (away-goals rule) and beat the United States in Lyon, earning three points in the group. Since then Iran’s World Cup trips have been shaped by diplomatic tensions. The team, now coached by Amir Ghalenoei, heads to Group G in 2026 with Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand, where travel restrictions could again affect performance.

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Ghalenoei Announces Squad

Coach Amir Ghalenoei announced a 26-man World Cup squad that omits forward Sardar Azmoun.
Veterans Mehdi Taremi (Olympiacos) and Alireza Jahanbakhsh (Dender) will lead Iran’s attack.
Iran relocated its training base from Arizona, United States, to Tijuana, Mexico after the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) approved the move.
Iran will face New Zealand on June 15 and Belgium on June 21 in Los Angeles, then Egypt in Seattle on June 26 or June 27.

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