Protests erupt outside Iran’s World Cup opener after court upholds flag ban

16 Jun 2026 • 9:22 AM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

Protests erupt outside Iran’s World Cup opener after court upholds flag ban

  • Iranian Americans protested at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles during Iran's World Cup 2026 opener, displaying the banned pre-revolutionary flag.
  • The protests reflect ongoing anger against the Iranian government, with Los Angeles being a significant center for the Iranian diaspora.
  • A lawsuit challenging FIFA's ban on political symbols, specifically the pre-revolutionary flag, was denied by Judge Curtis A. Kin, upholding the ban.
  • Fans were divided, with some attending to protest or boo the Iranian team, while others urged unity and support for Team Melli.
  • Iran's participation in the tournament has sparked controversy due to geopolitical tensions and concerns over Tehran's crackdown on protesters.

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