Women’s Stadium Ban Forces Iran Qualifier Relocation

The Iranian FA has moved the its June 9, 2026 World Cup qualifying fixture against North Korea from Mashad, the country’s second largest city, to the Azadi Stadium in Tehran.

Iran have already qualified for the World Cup. The fixture was moved from the north eastern city due to reports that the Astan Quds Razavi shrine organisation and Ahmad Alamolhoda, the Iranian Supreme Leader’s representative in the province, would only allow the match if women were prohibited from entering the stadium.

The Iranian federation initially said that Mashhad would no longer host Iran’s match against North Korea, citing the visiting team’s objections, though reports later said that the province’s security council had said hosting the match was “impossible”.

FIFA has stipulated that women must be given the opportunity to attend matches following multiple disturbances and protests outside venues where they have been denied entry, both for club and national team games.

Mashhad has previously been a flashpoint in the protests to the point where women were beaten outside the stadium while a match was on-going.

Many Iranian cities still do not grant women the right to attend matches. Other stadia allow women to sit in segregated areas or accompanied by guardians, though this has been criticised as purely an attempt to appease FIFA and prevent the country’s expulsion from the international game.

Amir Mahdi Alavi, head of public relations and spokesman for the Iranian Federation, said:
“Once again, I extend congratulations to the proud people of Iran on our national team’s early qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, achieved under the leadership of an Iranian head coach and the tireless efforts of the coaching staff, players, and all those involved in Iranian football.

“Following evaluations within the federation and in consultation with the national team head coach, and considering the current readiness and cooperation regarding Azadi Stadium, it has been decided that the final qualifying match against North Korea will be held at this iconic venue.”

Before the match against North Korea, Iran will face Qatar in Doha on June 4.

Insideworldfootball.com