The Iran national football team is facing political and sports controversies at the 2026 World Cup. Iran's sports minister, Ahmad Daniyamali, has threatened to stop play if unofficial flags or anti-team slogans are seen. This threat comes after FIFA decided to ban the 'Lion and Sun' flag from stadiums during the tournament. The Lion and Sun flag is a symbol of protest among some Iranians opposed to the Islamic Republic and the Iranian diaspora. The Iran national football team is in Group G and will face New Zealand in its first match on June 15 in Los Angeles. The team will then face Belgium on June 21 in the same stadium and its final group stage match will be against Egypt on June 26 in Seattle.