Hundreds protest outside Iran’s first World Cup match in Los Angeles

By Reuters 16 June 2026, 4:53 am

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Law enforcement personnel keep a watch on a protest outside Los Angeles Stadium before the World Cup Group G soccer match between Iran and New Zealand in Inglewood, California, near Los Angeles, June 15, 2026. (AP/Ty ONeil)

Iran kicks off its World Cup in Los Angeles today in front of a crowd that consists of both fans cheering them on and Iranian Americans waving symbols of protest against the Tehran government.

Around 300 to 500 protesters gather outside the stadium, waving anti-Iranian government signs and flags. They say they did not want to attend the match as it would imply support for Tehran.

Others went into the game but took with them symbols of protest, including the pre-revolutionary Iran flag, which is the same colors as the current official flag but has a different lion-and-sun motif.

Iran had threatened to halt matches if unofficial flags were brought in or slogans chanted, but the game today proceeded as planned.