Published on 5/20/2026
Iranian striker Sardar Azmoun wished “good luck” to his country’s national team as it prepares to participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, in light of its exclusion after being accused of “treason” by Iranian official media.
Azmoun, who plays for the Emirati club Al-Ahly, posted a picture on Instagram of his country’s national team, which landed in southern Turkey on Monday to hold a training camp and complete procedures for obtaining entry visas to the United States, which is hosting the finals with Canada and Mexico.
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He wrote: “It is true that I am not with you, but since you are my friends, there is no reason why I cannot wish you well.”
He added: “There are many who are trying to distort my reputation, but it is not true at all. Good luck, guys.”
Azmoun was not called up to coach Amir Ghalinoi’s roster, even though he is the team’s third all-time top scorer with 57 goals in 91 matches, behind Mehdi Taremi (59 in 103) and retired former international Ali Daei (108 in 148).
Azmoun faces charges of treason
Government media accused Azmoun of “treason” after he published a photo in the first days of the war between Iran, the United States, and Israel last March, showing him alongside the ruler of Dubai, Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, in the UAE, where he plays and resides.
However, the coach defended his decision: “I swear to God that nothing but technical standards played a role in selecting the players, and I chose the thirty players on this basis only.”
Taremi, the Greek Olympiacos striker, responded with a photo he posted on his Instagram account: “Sardar, your presence by my side would have made things easier and more beautiful.”
Azmoun (31 years old) was limited to playing 12 matches in the UAE League this season due to injuries, where he scored 3 goals and provided two assists.
Iran is scheduled to begin its World Cup campaign by facing New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15, before facing Belgium in the same city, then Egypt in Seattle, within Group Seven.
The Iranian national team is preparing for the World Cup with a friendly match with Gambia in Antalya on May 29, before traveling to the United States.
