Protests against the Iranian government were held around the stadium in Los Angeles before Iran’s first match in the 2026 World Cup. On match day, a scene emerged where politics and football intertwined for Iranian Americans visiting the city.
Iranian supporters and demonstrators gathered outside the Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood. It was reported that between 300 and 500 people came to protest, carrying banners and flags with anti-Iran slogans.
Some protesters chose not to attend the match, stating that being in the stands would be seen as supporting the Tehran regime.
Some Iranian Americans entering the stadium carried protest symbols, including flags featuring the lion and sun emblem, known as the pre-revolutionary Iranian flag, which differs from the current official flag.
The Iranian government warned that matches could be stopped if unofficial flags were raised or slogans chanted. FIFA pointed to its rules banning politically charged flags and clothing but did not make a specific statement regarding the lion and sun flag.
On match day, many people carrying the lion and sun flag or wearing shirts with the same symbol passed through security without issue. Some fans were also seen displaying these flags in the stands.
Three fans carrying these symbols said they chose to wear these outfits despite warnings. One fan, Farhad Jafargad, stated that this team is not the team of the Iranian people and expressed plans to support New Zealand.
Meanwhile, some fans entered the stands wrapped in the official Iranian flag and said they were booed by protesters. This group said they wanted to set politics aside and focus on the national team known as "Team Melli."
Mehdi Jafari, a 57-year-old Iranian, said he was there to support his team and believed Iran would win the match. Jafari emphasized that everyone should put politics aside and support the national team.
Iran’s participation in the tournament is unfolding amid controversies overshadowed by the recent war. The source reported that the conflict began in February with US and Israeli attacks on Iran, followed by nationwide protests within Iran.
The team recently moved its camp from Arizona to Mexico, and the federation reported that some staff were unable to obtain US visas and that tickets allocated to fans were withdrawn. Iran’s first match is scheduled against New Zealand at 6:00 PM local time.
