Rouzbeh Cheshmi Ruled Out of 2026 World Cup
Team Melli has suffered a major setback ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with veteran midfielder Rouzbeh Cheshmi ruled out through injury.
Iran defensive midfielder Rouzbeh Cheshmi has been ruled out of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after suffering a hamstring injury during training in Antalya, Turkiye.
The 32-year-old Esteghlal captain picked up the injury during Team Melli’s third training session at its pre-World Cup camp on Thursday evening. Medical staff immediately removed him from the session, and initial assessments indicated a left hamstring strain serious enough to keep him out of the tournament.
Cheshmi is expected to undergo an MRI scan to determine the full extent of the damage, but early signs suggest the injury has ended his World Cup hopes.
A veteran of the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, Cheshmi has been an important figure in Iran’s squad thanks to his defensive presence, leadership, experience, and ability to score from set pieces.
His absence is a major blow for the head coach as Iran prepares for Group G matches against Belgium, Egypt, and New Zealand. Team Melli will open its campaign against New Zealand on June 15 at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles before facing Belgium and Egypt later in the group stage.