Iran have confirmed their final 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with one notable absence standing out above all others — striker Sardar Azmoun has been left out of the selection entirely.

The squad, announced on Monday, includes 17 home-based players whose domestic clubs have not been in competitive action since February, a direct consequence of the ongoing regional conflict in the Middle East.

Azmoun's omission is the headline story from the announcement. The experienced forward had been one of Iran's most recognisable names in international football, making his exclusion a significant surprise ahead of the global tournament.

The inclusion of so many players from the domestic league raises questions about match sharpness, given that those 17 players have gone several months without competitive club football. Iran's coaching staff will be tasked with bringing the squad up to full fitness before their World Cup campaign begins.