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Protestors against Iran's government have appeared at Iran games at the World Cup. Many protestors have arrived armed with a flag that looks similar to that of Iran's internationally-accepted flag, save for a Lion and Sun emblem that resides at the center of the banner.
FIFA has attempted to limit political images during the 2026 World Cup, Few have proven as divisive as the Lion and Sun insignia, which followed Iran's team bus at times during its travels through Los Angeles ahead of the side's World Cup opener against New Zealand.
Here's what you need to know about the flag, which has been outlawed by FIFA at the 2026 World Cup.
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Why FIFA banned Iran Lion and Sun flag
FIFA banned the Lion and Sun emblem, citing its stadium code of conduct — which outlaws certain items "that are of a political, offensive and/or discriminatory nature" — as reason for the flag's proscription.
The Los Angeles Superior Court held a last-minute hearing regarding the presence of Lion and Sun flags at games. The banner has proven a favorite for some members of the Iranian diaspora, many of whom who view pre-revolutionary Iran as being aligned with their interests. The Institute for Voice of Liberty and Sam Kermanian — an Iran fan who planned on attending Monday night's game — filed a motion on Thursday that centers on the banner.
MORE: Iran 168 meaning, explained
The case was expedited to be heard on Monday morning. Judge Curtis A. Kin ruled that FIFA's ban should stand.
“Free speech is incredibly important, it is sacred, a bedrock of our society, but it is not without limitation, such as private actor, on private property, and as shown by previous cases, regulating in reasonable way. I deny the application," Kin said, according to The Athletic.
MORE: A complete roster and more about Iran's 2026 World Cup squad
Iran Lion and Sun flag, explained
Iran's Lion and Sun flag refers to the lion and sun emblem that featured on the former flag of Iran. The banner — defined by a golden lion and sun emblem and a horizontal tricolor of green, white and red — was installed in 1907, towards the end of the Qajar dynasty. It came to represent monarchical rule in Iran, following the nation even after the Qajar dynasty gave way to the Pahlavi family.
The flag was formally phased out following the overthrow of the Pahlavi dynasty in the Iranian Revolution. In 1980, the flag was outlawed entirely after the Islamist took control of the government. Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini called the emblem an "artifact of the tyrannical" Pahlavi regime.
Those seeking an overthrow of the Islamic Republic in Iran tend to use the flag as their symbol.
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