Clashes between fans and security personnel during Belgium v Iran

WorldFootball
22 Jun 2026 • 8:21 AM MYT
DPA International
DPA International

DPA, founded in 1949, one of the world’s leading independent news agencies

Image from: Clashes between fans and security personnel during Belgium v Iran
An Iranian fan is told to take off her "Lion and Sun" flag as FIFA banned the pre-revolutionary Iranian flag from World Cup stadiums before the 2026 FIFA World Cup Group G soccer match between Belgium and Iran at the Los Angeles Stadium. Bryan Smith/ZUMA Press Wire/dpa

Clashes broke out between fans and security personnel during the World Cup match between Belgium and Iran on Sunday.

Football ruling body FIFA said that a man attempted to run onto the pitch during the goalless draw between the two teams.

In photos, the man can be seen wearing a shirt featuring the former Iranian flag before the 1979 Islamic revolution, which has been banned by FIFA.

The man was taken out by security personnel, who also had to deal with an incident in the stands. The circumstances remained unclear at first and FIFA was asked for further details.

Iran's participation in the World Cup has been overshadowed by political issues due to the conflict with co-hosts United States and Israel.

The Iranian team moved their training camp from Arizona to Mexico and is subject to stricter restrictions when entering and leaving the US for their matches.