Tensions surrounding Iran’s participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup have entered a new phase, as football’s governing body, FIFA, confronts fresh complications linked to the use of Iran’s pre-revolution national flag.
Following earlier uncertainty over Iran’s involvement in the tournament after US and Israeli strikes on Iran and the subsequent escalation of conflict in the Middle East, concerns over Iran’s qualification and participation had partly eased. However, a new dispute has now emerged involving competing demands over flag usage and tournament regulations.
Reports indicate that FIFA is considering a ban on the display of Iran’s pre-1979 revolution flag, featuring the “Lion and Sun” emblem, at World Cup venues. This has prompted threats of legal action against the organisation. At the same time, the president of the Iran Football Federation, Mehdi Taj, has reportedly urged FIFA to prohibit the same flag from being displayed during the tournament.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is scheduled to begin on 11 June across the United States, Mexico and Canada. Iran has been placed in Group G, with all of its matches set to be played in the United States—two in California and one in Seattle. A significant portion of Iranian expatriates in the United States reside in California, including groups opposed to Iran’s current governing system.
According to reports, some members of the Iranian diaspora opposed to the 1979 Islamic Revolution intend to display the pre-revolution flag during World Cup matches. The flag remains a politically sensitive symbol in relation to Iran’s modern history.
Concerns over FIFA’s position have been raised by the Institute for Voices of Liberty, which warned that any attempt to ban the “Lion and Sun” flag at venues could lead to formal legal proceedings in California state or federal courts. This raises the possibility of FIFA facing litigation during the tournament period.
Legal consultant Shahrokh Mokhtarzadeh stated at the end of last week that no response had been received from FIFA even after three days. He added that legal proceedings would be prepared if FIFA attempted to exclude the “Lion and Sun” flag from stadiums.
In response to enquiries, FIFA referred to its list of prohibited items rather than issuing a direct statement on the flag itself. The list includes materials of a “political, offensive and/or discriminatory nature.” However, FIFA has not specified which aspect of the pre-revolution Iranian flag would fall under these categories.
It is also suggested in reports that, even in the absence of an explicit ban on flags, venue-specific operational guidelines may still address such displays during matches.
Iran’s sporting schedule for the tournament has also been outlined. The team will open its Group G campaign against New Zealand on 15 June in the United States. Its other group-stage opponents are Belgium and Egypt. All matches will take place on US soil.
Originally, Iran’s team had planned to establish its pre-tournament base camp in Arizona; however, this arrangement was later relocated to Mexico.
Group G and key tournament details
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Tournament | 2026 FIFA World Cup |
| Host nations | United States, Mexico, Canada |
| Iran group | Group G |
| Opponents | Belgium, Egypt, New Zealand |
| First match | 15 June vs New Zealand |
| Match locations | California and Seattle (USA) |
| Initial base camp | Arizona (later moved to Mexico) |
The situation continues to develop around FIFA’s regulatory stance and potential legal responses linked to the use of politically sensitive symbols during the tournament.