Iran’s World Cup opener draws Los Angeles protests and a 2-2 draw with New Zealand

Fans waved Iran's banned pre-revolutionary Lion and Sun flags during the country's goalless FIFA World Cup draw against Belgium on Saturday, despite FIFA's restrictions on politically charged symbols. The display underscored the continued challenge for tournament organisers to enforce the ban and highlighted the political divisions that continue to follow Iran's campaign.Massive boos right now while the islamic regime's anthem plays.Well deserved. pic.twitter.com/IObTMrVOsU— ✡︎ (@NiohBerg) June 21, 2026 What is the Lion and Sun flag?The Lion and Sun flag served as Iran's official national flag until the 1979 Islamic Revolution, when the monarchy was overthrown and the Islamic Republic adopted the current emblem featuring the stylised symbol of "Allah".Although the Lion and Sun dates back centuries in Persian history, it has acquired a distinctly political meaning in recent decades. For many Iranians living abroad, it represents Iranian national identity separate from the current regime. Others associate it with the former Pahlavi monarchy, making it a potent symbol of opposition to the Islamic Republic.Iran’s pre-revolution lion and sun flag is banned by FIFA. But fans are displaying them defiantly — including this man who waved one during the Iranian national anthem. Talking to Iranian American fans here, they say that they are specifically booing the regime during the anthem. pic.twitter.com/OQgzx7waPH— Daniel Miller (@DanielNMiller) June 21, 2026 Why has FIFA banned it?FIFA prohibits the display of political symbols inside World Cup stadiums under its Stadium Code of Conduct. The world governing body considers the Lion and Sun flag politically charged because of its widespread use by opposition groups and anti-government activists.Ahead of the tournament, FIFA instructed stadium operators and local organisers to prevent spectators from bringing the flag into venues. However, as seen during Iran's match against Belgium, enforcement has been inconsistent, with several banners making it past security checks.Similar scenes were witnessed during Iran's opening World Cup fixture against New Zealand, where security personnel confiscated some flags while many others remained visible inside the stadium.FIFA World Cup 2026 Controversy! Iran's National Anthem Booed As Political Tensions Overshadow WC Opener Against New Zealand In USA | VideoWhy are supporters still waving it?The United States is home to one of the world's largest Iranian diaspora communities, particularly in Southern California. Many expatriate Iranians oppose the current government in Tehran and have used World Cup matches as a global platform to express that sentiment.For many fans, displaying the Lion and Sun flag is a statement that they support Iran as a nation but not the Islamic Republic. Others wave it simply because they consider it a historical national symbol rather than a political emblem.The debate over the flag has become one of the defining off-field stories of Iran's World Cup campaign, reflecting the deep political divisions within the global Iranian community.Iran's participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup has been accompanied by political controversy beyond the stadium stands. Owing to U.S. travel restrictions, the Iranian team has been based in Tijuana, Mexico, travelling into the United States only for matches. Iranian officials and head coach Amir Ghalenoei have criticised the arrangement, saying it has disrupted preparations.

Demonstrators gathered outside SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles during Iran's World Cup match with New Zealand on Monday, the first match of the tournament for Iran. The match ended in a 2-2 draw. CBS News' Nicole Valdes reports from Inglewood, California.

Hundreds of anti-regime protesters gathered outside the Los Angeles Stadium before Iran's match against New Zealand. The team's participation in the World Cup has been politically divisive, but alongside the large number of demonstrators, many fans expressed their support for Iranian players. Donald Trump said this week that a peace deal between Washington and Tehran was 'all signed' and that the strait of Hormuz would be 'completely open' from Friday Continue reading...

Hundreds of Iranian Americans staged protests outside SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles ahead of Iran’s FIFA World Cup 2026 opener against New Zealand.

The controversy surrounding Iran’s participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup escalated in Los Angeles after fans defied FIFA’s reported restrictions by displaying the pre-revolutionary “Lion and Sun” flag during Iran’s opening match against New Zealand. The incident unfolded amid an already tense atmosphere marked by protests and political demonstrations outside the stadium.The flag, used before Iran’s 1979 Islamic Revolution, has long been associated with opposition movements within parts of the Iranian diaspora. Its appearance inside and around the stadium was seen as a direct challenge to FIFA’s rules, which prohibit political symbols at official tournament venues.Iranian fans booing the Islamic regime's anthem while holding the lion and sun flag of Iran pic.twitter.com/Q3OTgcCqF6— Dr. Eli David (@DrEliDavid) June 16, 2026 A group of Iranian football fans at the World Cup brought different parts of Iran’s flag into the stadium and sewed them together during the game.FIFA has unjustly banned Iran’s 500+ years old flag, but Iranians keep finding creative ways to display their flag pic.twitter.com/Ss44l6PSLM— Throwback Iran (@Tarikh_Eran) June 15, 2026 FIFA has previously stated that flags or banners deemed political, offensive, or linked to dissenting movements are not allowed inside World Cup stadiums. Despite these regulations, images and videos from the match showed supporters openly waving the banned flag, raising questions about enforcement during high-profile games.Outside the venue, Iranian-American protesters gathered in large numbers, some opposing the Iranian government while others supported the national team. The mix of political messaging, national identity, and sporting support turned the stadium environment into a highly charged space.The incident adds another layer of controversy to Iran’s World Cup campaign, which has already been marked by diplomatic tensions, visa issues, and security concerns. While the team managed a 2-2 draw on the pitch, attention continues to shift toward off-field political flashpoints surrounding their participation.

The BBC’s Shaimaa Khalil was outside the Iran v New Zealand opening round match as protesters called for an end to Tehran’s clerical regime.