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WILL SARDAR AZMOUN PLAY IN THE 2026 WORLD CUP?
Sardar Azmoun is one of those strikers who combine elegance with goals, technique with power, and experience with character. An undisputed star of the Iranian national team for the last decade, many fans are wondering if he'll be at the 2026 World Cup. Is he still a starter for Iran? How is his team doing in the qualifiers? Will he be physically fit for another World Cup? In this article, we analyze his current form at club level, his role with the national team, Iran's current state heading into the tournament, and share several interesting facts you probably didn't know about this West Asian star.
Azmoun's Present at Clubs and the Iranian National Team
Sardar Azmoun, born in Gonbad-e Kavus in 1995, has been one of the most important figures in Iranian football over the last decade. After shining in Russia with Rubin Kazan and Zenit, his European adventure took him to Germany, where he has continued to demonstrate his quality as a modern striker: strong, agile, and with a nose for goal.
2024/25 Season at Bayer Leverkusen
In the current season, Azmoun has been a rotation player for Bayer Leverkusen, who are fighting for the top spots in the Bundesliga. He has played 28 games between league and cups, scoring 9 goals and assisting on 5 occasions. His versatility in playing as a striker, attacking midfielder, or winger has kept him relevant in a very competitive team.
28 matches played
9 goals and 5 assists
73% shooting accuracy
80% accurate passing in the final third
Most effective player on the team in aerial duels (65%)
Although he is no longer an undisputed starter in every match, he is still highly valued for his ability to decide games with a single play. His positional intelligence is key.
With the Iranian national team
Azmoun is a veteran of the national team. Since his debut in 2014, he has accumulated 79 international appearances and 47 goals. He is the team's second all-time leading scorer, only behind Ali Daei. In the current qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup, he has already scored 4 goals in 5 matches and captained two of them.
79 matches with Iran
47 international goals
4 goals in the 2026 qualifiers
Participated in Russia 2018 and Qatar 2022
He remains a national icon and, despite his age, coach Amir Ghalenoei has complete confidence in him as the focal point of the Iranian attack. His jersey is among the best-selling in the country with every international call-up.
How is Iran doing in the Asian qualifiers?
Iran is one of the most consistent teams in Asia. They have participated in six World Cups, including the last three consecutively. With a team balanced between experience and youth, they are a strong contender for North America 2026.
Current group and performance
In the second round of AFC qualifying, Iran shares a group with Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and Hong Kong. After four matches, they lead the group with 10 points, tied with Uzbekistan but with a better goal difference. They have scored 11 goals and only conceded 2.
1st in the group with 10 points
3 wins and 1 draw
11 goals for, 2 against
Undefeated in 2025
The qualification system grants 8 direct places for Asia and one place in the intercontinental play-off, which increases the odds. Iran should have no problem advancing to the final stage and fighting for one of the top spots in their group.
Azmoun as a key figure
Sardar is not just another striker, he is the team's goalscorer. Whenever Iran has a tough match, he shows up. His understanding with Mehdi Taremi is vital to the attacking scheme, and he looks comfortable as the veteran leader of a group that blends youth and experience.
Barring a last-minute injury, Azmoun has a guaranteed place on the final roster for 2026. His impact in the locker room and on the pitch is too important to leave him out.
Azmoun's Interesting Facts and a Prediction for 2026
Sardar Azmoun is not only a classy striker, he is also a unique figure on and off the field. A horse lover, businessman, polyglot, and activist, his story goes far beyond football. Here are some facts that will surprise you.
Did you know...?
He has more than 50 racehorses on his family ranch in Iran.
He repeatedly turned down offers to sign with clubs in England for personal and cultural reasons.
He speaks Persian, Russian, Turkmen, and English.
He was on the Forbes Asia 30 Under 30 list in 2019.
He is one of the most influential athletes in the Middle East on social media.
Everything points to yes. He will be 31 in 2026, a more than competitive age for a striker of his style. His experience in two previous World Cups, his leadership, and his goal-scoring ability make him an indispensable player for Iran.
Furthermore, Iran has a favorable schedule and a solid foundation that includes top-level players in Asia and Europe. Azmoun will undoubtedly be a fixture on the squad list and could once again be the focal point of the attack.
If Iran manages to advance to the round of 16—as many fans dream—it will likely be thanks to the goals and skill of the "Persian Messi."
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