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Iran national football team roster developments

Updated 3 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-09-22 08:43 UTC → 2026-09-24 06:06 UTC · added ~~removed~~

The Iran national football team has released its roster for upcoming friendly matches against Uzbekistan and Russia, serving as preparation for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia. The squad selection has drawn scrutiny regarding the team’s youth policy. The inclusion of 20-year-old Persepolis player Amir Hossein Mohammadi led critics to question selection criteria, noting his limited playing time. Observers argued the roster does not represent a genuine shift toward a younger squad, as several players in their mid-20s were included alongside veterans. In a notable development, veteran striker Sardar Azmoun has been recalled to the 26-man roster by coach Amir Ghalenoei. This marks Azmoun’s return after a four-month absence following his omission from the 2026 FIFA World Cup roster. His previous exclusion was reportedly linked to a controversial social media post in March featuring a photograph with the ruler of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, which was interpreted by some as unpatriotic due to geopolitical tensions. Some reports also suggested his omission might stem from previous criticisms of the Iranian political system. Azmoun, the 31-year-old forward who has recorded 57 goals in 91 appearances, expressed his eagerness to fight for his country following a meeting with the president of the Iranian Football Federation. He shared his gratitude on social media, stating, ‘I am not angry with anyone, nor do I have anything to prove. I’m just glad I have the chance again to fight with all my heart for the country I love.’ He further remarked, ‘This journey hasn’t always gone the way I’d hoped... But I’ve never stopped loving this shirt.’ The current roster also features significant changes, with several new players called up while others, such as Rozbe Cheshmi and Ali Jalalpour, are absent.

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