To celebrate a religious anniversary during the World Cup… Iran and Iraq submit a bid to FIFA

The Iranian federation has submitted a formal request to the International Federation of Football Associations (FIFA) to allow its players to wear black armbands against Egypt at the 2026 World Cup.

Iran’s Tasnim news agency reported that this request stems from the desire of the Iranian federation and the players to commemorate the day of Ashura, which witnessed the martyrdom of Imam Hossein.

On June 27, the Iranian national team will play with its counterpart Egypt in the third round of Group 7, which also includes Belgium and New Zealand.

The agency noted that The Iranian side expects FIFA to approve the request, respecting the religious occasion.

For its part, it also revealed that the Iraqi federation made a similar request to FIFA to have black armbands worn in the match against Senegal in the third round on the same day.

The Iraqi national team plays in the 9th group of the world championship, which includes France, Senegal and Norway.