Archive · 22 Sep 2026
Sardar Azmoun Returns to Iran Squad After World Cup Omission
Sardar Azmoun is a famous Iranian football striker.
Iran has invited him back to play for the national team.
He had been left out for about four months, including during the World Cup.
Reports said a social media post upset Iranian authorities.
Azmoun said he was very happy when he learned he had been recalled.
He also said he was not angry and had nothing to prove.
Iran will play Uzbekistan and Russia in friendly matches.
The team is preparing for the Asian Cup, which begins in Saudi Arabia on January 7.
Iran recalled striker Sardar Azmoun after a four-month absence from the national team.
Azmoun was reportedly omitted from Iran’s World Cup squad after a social media post angered authorities.
The 31-year-old has scored 57 goals in 91 international appearances.
He was selected for friendlies against Uzbekistan and Russia before the Asian Cup.
Azmoun said he was happy to return and remained committed to representing Iran.
- Who
- Iranian striker Sardar Azmoun and the Iran national football team.
- What
- Azmoun was recalled after being omitted from the World Cup squad for four months.
- When
- He was recalled ahead of friendlies on Thursday and five days later, with the Asian Cup beginning on January 7.
- Where
- The upcoming matches are against Uzbekistan and Russia; the Asian Cup will be held in Saudi Arabia.
- Why
- Iran is preparing for the Asian Cup, while Azmoun's earlier omission was reportedly linked to a social media post that angered authorities.
Reported Official Concerns
Azmoun's Position
Reason for the World Cup omission
Reported Official Concerns
Reports linked Azmoun's omission by coach Amir Ghalenoei to a social media post that angered Iranian authorities.
Azmoun's Position
Azmoun did not identify a specific dispute in his comments and said he was not angry with anyone and had nothing to prove.
Meaning of his return
Reported Official Concerns
His recall restores an experienced goal scorer to Iran's squad before important Asian Cup preparations.
Azmoun's Position
Azmoun described the return as a chance to fight wholeheartedly for the country he loves, rather than an opportunity to settle a dispute.
- Player
- Sardar Azmoun
- International record
- 57 goals in 91 appearances for Iran
- Age
- 31
- Absence
- Four months after omission from the World Cup squad
- Upcoming friendlies
- Uzbekistan and Russia
- Tournament
- The Asian Cup begins in Saudi Arabia on January 7
- Reported omission reason
- A social media post that reportedly angered Iranian authorities