Iranian Americans wave protest flags as Iran play World Cup opener

INGLEWOOD, California — Iran opened its World Cup campaign in Los Angeles on Monday before a mixed crowd of supporters and Iranian Americans who also used the occasion to stage protests against the Tehran government.

The buildup to the match was marked by unusual off-field drama, with the team playing on U.S. soil less than 24 hours after a peace deal was announced to end a war that began following U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran in February.

The players arrived in the United States on Sunday, traveling from their training base in Tijuana, Mexico.

In Los Angeles, home to the largest Iranian community outside Iran, many of whom left after the Islamic Revolution, fans expressed divided emotions — excitement at seeing their national team compete on the world stage, anger over the government’s crackdown on dissent, and concern about recent U.S. military actions.

Outside the stadium, an estimated 300 to 500 protesters gathered, holding anti-government signs and flags. Many said they chose not to attend the match, arguing that doing so would signal support for Tehran.

Others entered the venue while carrying symbols of protest, including the pre-revolutionary Iranian flag featuring the lion-and-sun emblem, which differs from the current official design.

The Fédération Internationale de Football Association FIFA had warned against political symbols inside stadiums, with regulations generally prohibiting politically charged flags or apparel. However, it has not issued a specific ruling on the pre-revolutionary flag, and did not immediately comment on the situation Monday.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino attended the match in person.

Reuters observed multiple spectators carrying or wearing the lion-and-sun emblem passing through security without incident, while dozens of others waved the flag from their seats.

Three fans wearing white T-shirts featuring the symbol said they chose to wear them despite prior warnings. “This team is not the team of the people of Iran,” said Farhad Jafargad, one of the fans, adding that they planned to support New Zealand.

Other spectators wrapped themselves in the official Iranian flag and said they had been heckled by protesters outside. Some urged fellow fans to separate politics from sport and focus on supporting the national team, known as Team Melli.

“I’m here to support Iran. We’re going to win this game,” said 57-year-old Mehdi Jafari, wearing an Iran soccer jersey before entering the stadium. “We’re very proud of our country. We should let go of politics and just cheer for Team Melli.”

During the match, some fans booed the Iranian national anthem and cheered New Zealand’s opening goal, while a majority in the stadium supported Iran, erupting when the team equalized.

Iran’s participation in the tournament has been overshadowed by political tensions linked to the conflict and earlier domestic unrest, including nationwide protests in which thousands were killed in a government crackdown.

In recent weeks, the team shifted its base from Arizona to Mexico, while its football federation raised concerns about visa issues for staff and the withdrawal of some supporter ticket allocations.

-Reporting by Hatem Maher, Miguel Gutierrez, Leonardo Benassatto, Matt Silverstein, Arafat Barbakh, Rory Carroll and Ed White; Writing by Rosalba O'Brien; Editing by Ken Ferris and Ed Osmond, Reuters