Iran request no pride flags at World Cup games in list of demands to FIFA

Iran qualified for World Cup 2026 on the pitch more than a year ago but their participation has been in doubt ever since the United States and Israel launched strikes on the Middle Eastern nation in February.

The World Cup will be played in the United States, Canada and Mexico between June 11 and July 19, and Iran's involvement is in doubt because of the military conflict.

Hosting the World Cup in one of the nations in question doesn't appear to have given FIFA or its risible president pause at any point. Gianni Infantino overseeing the invention of the FIFA Peace Prize and its presentation to Donald Trump two months before the start of the war is a stain football will take generations to truly shake off.

The situation on the ground in the United States is also a matter of some concern. Iranians, among others, are subject to unbridled state-led hostility on the streets of American cities and Trump has repeatedly chosen thinly veiled threats over reassurances that the players, officials and supporters of Iran will be safe.

Infantino's proximity to Trump was further shamed in April, when special envoy Paolo Zampolli proposed that Iran's place at the World Cup be given to Italy.

Iran's position was reignited when Iranian officials including FA chief Mehdi Taj turned back upon arrival in co-host Canada, where FIFA held its congress ahead of the tournament, with reports indicating that the delegates were refused entry over Taj's links with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

Taj quickly accused Canadian personnel of 'unacceptable behaviour' and issued FIFA and the host nations with a list of demands if Iran are to compete.

Iran issues FIFA demands over World Cup place

Taj hit the world governing body with 10 conditions, stating that Iran would compete 'without any retreat from our beliefs, culture and convictions'.

As well as a loose demand that the IRGC not be insulted during the tournament, "Iran is also seeking assurances over the treatment of the national team, including respect for the Iranian flag and national anthem, as well as enhanced security at airports, hotels and stadiums during the tournament," according to BBC News.

Out Sports reports that Taj's demands include "a guarantee that only existing national flags be shown within stadiums." Such a guarantee would be in breach of FIFA's own World Cup 2026 human rights framework.

Iran are in Group G at the 2026 World Cup. Image: Getty

Iran are scheduled to play in Group G in June, starting with games against New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles.

Their final group fixture against Egypt and Seattle falls on Pride weekend in the city and has been designated as a Pride Match despite previous objections from Egypt.