World Cup 2026: Iran team overcomes off-field pressure

Even before the final tournament began, the Iran team faced numerous obstacles. Iranian media reported that some coaching staff members and team officials were denied visas by the United States, forcing the team to move their training camp from the US to Mexico. The Iranian Football Federation criticized this as a violation of international sports principles and the responsibilities of the 2026 World Cup host nation. Many in Iran see these developments as a consequence of the prolonged political tensions between Tehran and Washington.

Additionally, the Iran team became the focus of a media war. Some opposition groups and Western media outlets consistently referred to the team as the "Islamic Republic's team" instead of the "Iran national team," while also accusing the players of supporting the regime.

The controversies were not limited to social media but also appeared in the stands. In fact, there were several scuffles between supporters and opponents of the Iranian government. Some videos circulated online showing shouting, threats, filming to identify Iran team fans, and even struggles to take the official Iranian flag from supporters. Iranian media also noted the irony that many people who claimed to boycott the Iran team still spent between 60 and 500 USD to buy tickets to watch the matches.

The peak of the controversy occurred when some spectators brought the Lion and Sun flag – a symbol associated with the Pahlavi monarchy. Based on FIFA regulations and requests from Iran regarding the non-use of unofficial political symbols, these flags were confiscated.

Meanwhile, the official flag of Iran still appeared in the stands in the US, drawing many comments on social media amid ongoing US-Iran tensions.

The fact that the World Cup coincided with the month of Muharram also created a special scene in the stands of Iranian fans. Many banners bearing the words "Ya Hossain", anti-war messages, and images commemorating students killed in an airstrike in Minab were displayed during the matches. The Iran team participated in the tournament under the name "Minab 168," to commemorate 168 students that Tehran claims died in an airstrike targeting a primary school in Iran.

Another notable point is the support from many foreign fans for the Iran team. Quite a few spectators from other countries cheered for Iran and criticized the attacks on the team from some opposition groups, calling it a sign of "turning their backs on their own country."

On the professional side, the Iran team started Group G with a 2-2 draw against New Zealand, then held Belgium to a 0-0 draw at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. With 2 points after two matches, Iran will face a decisive match against Egypt in Seattle on June 27 to compete for a spot in the knockout stage.

Egypt's head coach, Hossam Hassan, expressed support for the Iran team ahead of the decisive encounter between the two sides in the final group match, while emphasizing that all participating teams must be treated fairly according to FIFA principles.