Amid ongoing US-Iran tensions, Iran has reportedly warned it could halt its FIFA World Cup 2026 matches if spectators display what it calls unauthorised flags or anti-team slogans in stadiums. The warning was issued by Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali, who said Tehran would not tolerate demonstrations targeting the national squad.
"We have informed FIFA that if unofficial flags are brought or slogans against the national team are chanted in the stadiums where Iran plays in the World Cup, the team manager will definitely be responsible for stopping the match," Donyamali said on Tuesday, according to Iranian media.
The FIFA World Cup is being staged across the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Iran, regarded as one of Asia’s strongest sides, will begin their Group G campaign against New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15. They will then meet Belgium at the same stadium on June 21, before facing Egypt in Seattle on June 26. Meanwhile, the United States and Iran are embroiled in a conflict that has extended into multiple Middle Eastern countries and resulted in thousands of deaths.
The minister also said Iranian officials had been given assurances regarding the match against Egypt in Seattle, adding: “We have been assured that no disruptive incidents will occur in the stadium during the match against Egypt." The remarks follow escalating controversy over Iran’s involvement in the tournament.
The football federations of Iran and Egypt had earlier called on FIFA to prohibit LGBTQ+ Pride-related activities during their fixture in Seattle. Local organisers have labelled the game a “Pride Match” as part of Seattle’s Pride weekend events. The matter has emerged as one of several political controversies linked to Iran’s World Cup campaign.
Iran's Old Flag and the Political Context
Iran’s pre-revolution Lion-and-Sun flag has become a symbol used by some anti-government groups, particularly during protests. After the 1979 Islamic Revolution, Iran replaced it with the current emblem featuring a stylised rendering of the word “Allah”. Tehran’s warning over unauthorised flags at World Cup matches is widely seen as referring to displays of the former national flag.