Iran national anthem elicits mixed reactions before World Cup match in LA

The Iranian national anthem stirred a tumultuous response of boos and cheers from the crowd prior to Iran's World Cup match against New Zealand on June 16, 2026, in Los Angeles. This reaction reflects ongoing political tensions within the Iranian diaspora and broader sentiments surrounding the Iranian government's policies. Videos captured the mixed atmosphere, with significant reactions from the largely Iranian-American audience, many of whom oppose the current regime in Tehran. Ahead of the game, anti-regime demonstrations took place, underscoring the complex dynamics surrounding Iran's participation in the tournament.

• 3:20 AMYahoo Sports — Video: Iranian national anthem prompts boos, cheers from LA World Cup crowd