Fifa has confirmed it will enforce a ban on the pre-revolutionary Iranian flag at this summer's World Cup in the United States, a ruling also applied during the 2022 tournament in Qatar. The flag, which features a lion and sun emblem, differs from the official flag adopted after the 1979 Iranian revolution, which includes an Islamic symbol and script.
The pre-revolutionary flag has been used by some Iranians abroad as a symbol of protest against the current regime. While prohibited in Qatar, some fans managed to bring it into stadiums. This year, Fifa intends to strictly enforce the ban on the flag and any related paraphernalia, citing its Stadium Code of Conduct, which prohibits political, offensive, or discriminatory materials.
In contrast, the Palestine flag will be permitted, as it is the official flag of a Fifa member association. Iran is scheduled to play three group-stage matches in the US: against New Zealand on 15 June at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, against Belgium on 21 June in LA, and against Egypt on 26 June in Seattle. Over 50,000 tickets have been sold for the opening match.
There is a possibility that Iran could face the United States in the round of 32 if both teams finish second in their groups. The Seattle match has been designated as the Pride Match, coinciding with Seattle Pride weekend.
