Iran has threatened to stop its World Cup matches if unauthorized flags are displayed or slogans targeting the national team are chanted in stadiums during the tournament held in the United States this month [1, 2, 3]. Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali said the team manager will be responsible for halting the match should such incidents occur. “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,” he said [1].
Iran’s opening match is scheduled for June 15 in Los Angeles against New Zealand, followed by a game against Belgium on June 21 in Los Angeles, and then a match versus Egypt on June 26 in Seattle [1, 2, 3]. The matches correspond to June 16, 22, and 27 Singapore time, respectively [3].
Ahead of the June 26 match against Egypt, which local organizers have designated a “Pride Match,” both Iran and Egypt’s football associations have asked FIFA to prevent LGBTQ+ Pride-related activities during the Seattle fixture [1, 2, 3]. Donyamali expressed confidence no disruptive events will occur during that game, stating, “We have been assured that no disruptive incidents will occur in the stadium during the match against Egypt” [2].
Iran has faced organizational and geopolitical challenges ahead of the World Cup. The country’s football federation said their ticket allocation was withdrawn days before the tournament, leaving fans unable to attend despite prior plans [1, 2, 3]. The team is training in Tijuana, Mexico, and can enter the U.S. only the day before each match, as per the U.S. Department of Homeland Security [1, 2, 3].
In April, protesters gathered outside the FIFA Congress in Vancouver calling for Iran’s ban, accusing the team of representing the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps rather than the Iranian people [1, 2, 3].
Iran’s first match against New Zealand will take place on June 15 in Los Angeles.
