Iran coach Amir Gholam set to finalize 26‑player squad for 2026 World Cup

Iran’s national football team coach Amir Gholam has said the selection of the final 26‑player roster for the 2026 World Cup is entering a critical phase. The squad, currently 31 players strong, is training in Turkey ahead of a scheduled friendly against Mexico in the United States. Gholam announced he will use the remaining FIFA deadline – until 11 May (21 Khordad) – to assess all players, including injured members such as goalkeeper Rouzbeh Cheshmi, who suffered a hamstring strain, and forward Alireza Jahanbakhsh, who carries a minor injury. The football federation released a statement refuting rumours that any player had been dropped, reaffirming that the coach will continue technical evaluations until the legal deadline before naming the final roster.

The uncertainty has drawn attention from club officials, with Persepolis club president Paimen Hadaei noting that the team's sixth‑place league finish prevents it from qualifying for the AFC Asian competitions. The ongoing deliberations highlight the competitive pressure within the national camp as the coach seeks to balance form, fitness, and tactical needs before the World Cup qualifiers commence.