Iran warns of World Cup suspensions over political symbols

Iran is warning that it will suspend its team’s matches at the 2026 World Cup if “unofficial” flags or political slogans are seen or heard at stadiums. Moreover, the team is referring to the Lion and Sun flag. The flag in question is recognised as an anti-government symbol. It is popular among some — though not all — dissidents and supporters of the Pahlavi monarchy.

Reuters quoted Iranian media as saying Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali confirmed that Iran had informed FIFA of the need to prevent such incidents. In addition, he said:

We have informed FIFA that if unofficial flags are raised or slogans against the national team are chanted in the stadiums where Iran is playing, the team manager will bear responsibility for halting the match.

Donyamali added that authorities have received assurances that such incidents would not take place on 26 June during Iran’s match against Egypt in Seattle.

Rising US-Iran tensions

These latest snags appear against a high tide of US-Iran tensions. Additionally, FIFA is the governing body responsible for maintaining a clear separation of football and politics. It has stood by Iran and protected its right to participate in the 2026 World Cup tournament. However, how FIFA will now tackle crowd control remains unclear.

Reuters reported that protesters gathered outside the FIFA Congress in Vancouver in April. They called for the exclusion of the Iranian national team. The protesters argued that it represents the proscribed Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps. Moreover, they claim that it doesn’t represent Iranian people.

The agency also noted that the Iranian and Egyptian football federations had asked FIFA to ban LGBTQ+ related activities during their match in Seattle, which local organisers have included as part of Pride Week events.

Iran begin their Group G campaign against New Zealand in Los Angeles on 15 June, before facing Belgium on 21 June, and Egypt on 26 June.

Featured image via Lintao Zhang / Getty Images