Iran fans protest team's representation at World Cup in Los Angeles
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 16, 2026, 3:41 AM
Last updated Jun 16, 2026
Iran's World Cup campaign began with protests in Los Angeles as fans expressed discontent with the national team, viewing it as an entity representing Iran's government rather than the people. Hundreds gathered outside SoFi Stadium, waving the pre-revolutionary flag while voicing calls for regime change. Although the Iranian team secured a 2-2 draw against New Zealand, the match backdrop was marred by concerns over government abuses and political implications surrounding the sport. The team originally planned their training camp in Arizona but shifted to Tijuana due to visa issues and escalating military tensions. Fans noted the difficulty of separating their support for the players from political sentiments regarding the Iranian government.
- •Protests occurred outside SoFi Stadium before Iran's match against New Zealand.
- •Demonstrators opposed the Iranian team, associating it with government oppression.
- •Iran drew 2-2 with New Zealand in their World Cup opener.
- •The team's training camp was moved from Arizona to Tijuana due to visa issues.
- •Fans displayed the pre-revolutionary flag despite FIFA's political symbol regulations.
- 3:41 AMYahoo Sports — 'The mullahs' team': Split loyalties for Iran fans at World Cup
"Iran's World Cup campaign began in Los Angeles in a blaze of goals and controversy Monday, with hundreds protesting against a team they see as stooges for an extremist government in Tehran.A boisterous protest greeted fans arriving at SoFi stadium in Los Angeles, with demonstrators waving the pre-revolutionary flag detested by the leaders of the Islamic republic.
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