Iranian national football team arrives in the USA for World Cup wearing memorial pins

Media reports suggest that US military forces were responsible for the bombing attack on the girls' school. US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth subsequently announced an investigation into the incident. It remains unclear whether the Iranian team plans to make political statements during the World Cup matches in the USA as well.

Background: The bombing attack on the girls' school

At the same time, the visa practices of the US authorities are causing displeasure. According to Ambassador Abolfazl Pasandideh, a total of 15 officials – including federation chief Mehdi Taj – have so far not received a visa for entry into the USA for the football World Cup starting on Thursday. The Iranian football federation sharply criticized the US authorities for denying entry visas upon arrival.

The FIFA rules state that "equipment must not contain any political, religious or personal slogans, statements or images." Otherwise, players and/or the team could be sanctioned by the tournament organizer or FIFA. The rule explicitly applies to all players and officials.

FIFA rules on political symbols on equipment

A 36-year-old defender of the Iranian team, who was also under contract with FSV Frankfurt between 2015 and 2016, commented on the matter with the words: "Ich erwarte von der FIFA, dass sie dieses Problem in den kommenden Tagen lösen wird." He was referring to the still-outstanding visas for the federation representatives.

The Iranian ambassador also explained that the team would have to leave the United States immediately after each of its three World Cup matches in Los Angeles and Seattle and return to Tijuana. The matches are scheduled in Los Angeles and Seattle.

Travel routes of the Iranian team

FIFA itself has so far not publicly commented on how it intends to handle the memorial pins. It also remained initially open whether the pins would be classified as political symbols within the meaning of the equipment rules.

The Iranian delegation will initially remain in Tijuana before the tournament starts on Thursday. From there, the team is to travel to the match venues in the USA, provided the visa issues for the officials can be resolved.

Political dimension of the tournament

The incident casts a spotlight on the political dimension of the major sporting event. The World Cup in the USA, Mexico, and Canada is already accompanied by debates over entry regulations and political symbolism. The gesture by the Iranian players could further fuel the discussion about the compatibility of sport and politics.

It remains open whether FIFA will tolerate or sanction the pins. The question of when the outstanding visas will be issued is also unresolved. The World Cup begins on Thursday with the opening match.