FIFA World Cup 2026 | As Iran Eyes World Cup, US Fans Stand Divided | Protests Erupt Ahead Of Match

Iranian American demonstrators amassed Monday outside Iran’s first World Cup match, waving the pre-revolutionary lion-and-sun flags banned inside the stadium and calling for change in Tehran. Protesters snatched an official Iran flag from one fan, video shows, stomping on and ripping it. Iran's participation in the World Cup, beset by challenges since the war's outbreak, has divided the U.S. diaspora. Rallygoers outside the stadium near Los Angeles contended the team is synonymous with Iran's government, while fans clad in red-and-green and scarves, their cheeks striped with face paint, filed past saying they were separating soccer from politics. Southern California is home to the largest Iranian community outside Iran, many who arrived after the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Just hours before kickoff against New Zealand, a Los Angeles judge upheld FIFA's ban on the pre-revolutionary flag at matches. But the flags and related apparel were nonetheless spotted inside the stadium.