Iran Demands FIFA Ban LGBT Flags at 2026 World Cup Matches

The Iranian Football Federation (FFIRI) submitted a list of 10 conditions to FIFA regarding the national team’s participation in the 2026 World Cup. The tournament will be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Among the demands is a ban on LGBT flags in the stadiums and guaranteed visas for the Iranian delegation, reports Outsports.

Iran stated it will participate in the competition only if its “beliefs, culture, and principles” are respected. The federation insists that the host countries must consider its concerns. One of the main demands is that only officially recognized national flags be allowed inside the stadiums. In practice, this would make the display of LGBT symbols illegal during the matches.

The federation issued these conditions after Canada denied entry to FFIRI President Mehdi Taj in April. He was heading to a FIFA congress in Vancouver. According to Taj himself, the refusal was linked to his past service in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Both the Canadian and US governments designate the IRGC as a terrorist organization. As a result, Iran is demanding guarantees from FIFA that all players and officials, including former IRGC members, will receive visas without hindrance. The federation also requested enhanced security during the tournament and respectful treatment of the Iranian anthem and flag.

Iran’s ultimatum complicates the situation surrounding its match against Egypt, scheduled for June 26, 2026, in Seattle. In December 2025, organizers announced that the game would be a “Pride Match” in support of the LGBT community. Both Iran and Egypt objected to this designation. Mehdi Taj called it an “irrational move supporting a certain group.”

In both countries, homosexuality is prosecuted by the state. In Iran, same-sex relations are punishable by death. In Egypt, there is no direct legal ban, but courts use morality laws to prosecute LGBT individuals. Punishments can include up to 17 years in prison, hard labor, and deportation.

FIFA has the authority to fulfill some of Iran’s demands, but issuing visas and ensuring security fall exclusively under the jurisdiction of the US, Canadian, and Mexican governments.