Iran threatens to quit World Cup 2026 matches if political chants heard

Iran's sports minister Ahmad Donyamali warned that the national football team will leave the pitch immediately if any political slogans are heard at FIFA World Cup 2026 venues. The team has informed FIFA that it will only recognize the official Iranian flag and will abandon matches that feature protests against the country's leadership.

Iran's opening matches are against New Zealand in Los Angeles, followed by Belgium in Los Angeles and Egypt in Seattle. Due to heightened tensions with the United States, the federation moved its training base from Arizona to Tijuana, Mexico, with staff traveling to the United States only on match days.