Iranian soccer star Sardar Azmoun, who was excluded from the national team's World Cup squad in what appeared to be a politically motivated decision, has publicly expressed his support for his former teammates on social media. The 31-year-old forward, a key player for Iran in the last two World Cups, has not been selected since posting a controversial photograph in March that angered Iranian authorities during the ongoing conflict with the United States and Israel.
Azmoun's Message of Support
On Tuesday, Azmoun took to Instagram, where he has 5.8 million followers, to wish his teammates well. "Wishing you all the best, guys," he wrote in Farsi. "It's true that I'm not there with you, but you are my friends and there is no reason not to wish you success." Azmoun, who has scored 57 goals in 91 appearances for Iran, now plays for Shabab Al-Ahli in Dubai. In March, he posted a photo of himself with Dubai's ruler, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, which he later deleted. The United Arab Emirates has normalized diplomatic relations with Israel since 2020 and has been targeted by Iranian drones in the regional conflict that began on February 28.
Team Preparations in Turkey
Iran's squad members who play for domestic clubs arrived in Turkey on Monday for an extended training camp before traveling to the United States in early June. They are set to play three group-stage matches in Inglewood, California, and Seattle. The Iranian national league has been shut down since February due to the war, leaving home-based players without competitive games. The team previously trained in Antalya, Turkey, in March, where they played two warmup matches and met FIFA President Gianni Infantino to discuss logistical and political challenges related to entering and playing in the United States.
Visa and Political Hurdles
A follow-up meeting between Iranian soccer officials and FIFA representatives in Istanbul on Saturday did not result in any guarantees regarding visas for the team. The Trump administration promised in January to exempt athletes and coaches visiting for major sporting events from travel bans, but this does not extend to other officials. Iran's delegation is expected to arrive between June 5 and 10 at a training base in Tucson, Arizona.
World Cup Fixtures and Controversies
Iran's opening World Cup match is against New Zealand on June 15 at the Los Angeles Rams' stadium, where they will also face Belgium. They conclude group play against Egypt on June 26 in Seattle, coinciding with the city's official LGBTQ+ Pride celebrations. Both Iranian and Egyptian soccer federations have objected to the timing and location. Additionally, Iranian soccer officials have asked FIFA to ban flags dating from before the Islamic Revolution of 1979 from stadiums where Iran plays. FIFA's World Cup protocol typically permits only current national flags of its 211 member federations.
