Iran Sports Minister issues bold FIFA ultimatum ahead of World Cup opener

26.06.26 FT World Cup

Egypt

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Iran

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The Iranian national football team threatens to walk off the pitch at World Cup 2026 in the USA if hostile chants or unofficial flags appear.

According to Iranian media outlets quoting Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali, the federation has officially warned FIFA regarding spectator conduct.

Donyamali stated that the team manager is fully authorized to halt any match and pull players off the field if unauthorized flags are raised or anti squad slogans are chanted from the stands.

The seattle clash and pride controversy

Iran begins their Group G campaign against New Zealand in Los Angeles on 15 June, followed by a fixture against Belgium.

However the 26 June match against Egypt in Seattle has become a major flashpoint. Both the Iranian and Egyptian football associations previously lobbied FIFA to prohibit LGBTQ+ activities during the game.

This demand conflicts heavily with local Seattle organizers who deliberately branded the fixture a "Pride Match" to coincide with local celebrations.

Despite this friction, Donyamali claims the team has received assurances regarding stadium control for the Egypt encounter.

Khaled Hegazy |

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Journaliste sportif spécialisé dans la couverture du football et la création de contenu numérique, alliant expérience éditoriale et expertise des médias sociaux.

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