Forward Sardar Azmoun has not been included in the final Iranian national team roster for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The list of 26 players was published on the national team's official social media accounts.

The former player of Rubin Kazan, Rostov, and Zenit St. Petersburg hasn't received a call-up to the national team since March 2025 and was previously not included in the preliminary roster. According to media reports, his photographs with UAE representatives may have been the reason.

Azmoun himself stated on social media that Iran remains "his heart and pride" and wished the national team success in the tournament.

The World Cup will be held from June 11 to July 19. In the group stage (Group G), Iran will play against New Zealand (June 15), Belgium (June 21), and Egypt (June 26).