Iran star Sardar Azmoun sidelined from World Cup squad amid injury reports, brief bio: Iranian forward for Zenit and Iran’s national team.
Iran's national soccer team wore backpacks and black armbands before a match in Turkey to honor children killed in a US-led missile strike on a school in Iran. The attack, on February 28, killed over 165 people, mostly children. Iran requests to move World Cup matches from the US due to safety concerns, but FIFA aims to keep the schedule unchanged.
Mohamed al-Mousawi, a Bahraini Shiite activist, died in custody with injuries suggesting torture. His family disputes official claims, and his death has heightened tensions in Bahrain, where authorities have intensified repression since the start of regional conflict linked to Iran. The government denies sectarian targeting.
Iran’s home-based players have begun a training camp in Turkey as they prepare for three World Cup group-stage games in the United States, with Azmoun notably absent from the squad amid controversy and recent political tensions.
A roundup of developments as teams from Africa, the Arab world and Europe sharpen tactics, finalize squads, and prepare for the 2026 finals in North America. Managers reshuffle, key injuries and tactical changes shape expectations ahead of the tournament.
Iran’s World Cup participation has faced visa hurdles amid US-Iran tensions. Officials say players, coaches and some staff have visas, while some backroom staff remain visa-free. Iran moved training from Arizona to Tijuana and will play group games in the United States, Seattle and Los Angeles, with the federation pursuing FIFA-led resolution.
The World Cup has begun amid a dispute over Iranian supporters’ access to tickets. Tehran says eight percent of tickets should go to Iranian fans, but those allocations have been withdrawn as visas and diplomatic tensions complicate attendance in the US host cities. FIFA says dialogue will continue.