Key facts
- Iran has threatened to stop its World Cup matches if unofficial flags or anti-national team slogans are displayed.
- The threat was communicated to FIFA by Iran's Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali.
- Iran's football association previously requested FIFA prevent LGBTQ+ Pride-related activities during their match against Egypt.
- Protests in April called for Iran's exclusion from the tournament.
- Iran's team faces logistical challenges with ticket allocations and U.S. entry.
Iran has threatened to halt its matches at the upcoming World Cup if unauthorized flags or slogans targeting the national team are displayed in stadiums. Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali informed FIFA that the team manager would be responsible for stopping games under such circumstances.
This stance follows criticism of the team's participation and calls for its ban, with protesters in April arguing the team represents the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Iran and Egypt's football associations had previously urged FIFA to prevent LGBTQ+ Pride-related activities during their designated 'Pride Match' in Seattle.
The Iranian team is also facing organizational challenges, including its football federation reporting a withdrawal of its ticket allocation, potentially preventing supporters from attending. The team, training in Mexico, will be allowed to enter the U.S. the day before each match.