INGLEWOOD, California : Iran began their World Cup campaign with a 2-2 draw against New Zealand on Monday in front of a crowd that reflected deep divisions within the Iranian diaspora, with many fans cheering the team while others displayed symbols of opposition to the government in Tehran.
The match in Los Angeles came less than 24 hours after a peace deal was announced to end a conflict that began when the United States and Israel launched attacks on Iran in February, adding an unusual geopolitical backdrop to Iran’s opening game.
The Iranian squad arrived in the United States on Sunday from their training base in Tijuana, Mexico, and took the field before a large crowd in Southern California, home to the world’s largest Iranian community outside Iran.
For many Iranian Americans attending the game, the occasion stirred mixed emotions. While some were excited to watch their national team compete on football’s biggest stage, others said they remained troubled by Tehran’s treatment of protesters and recent military tensions involving Washington.
Inside the stadium, most supporters backed Iran enthusiastically, but many also displayed the pre-revolutionary lion-and-sun flag, a symbol used before the 1979 Islamic Revolution that has become associated with opposition to the current government.
Others openly supported New Zealand or jeered Iran, reflecting the view among some members of the diaspora that the national team represents the authorities in Tehran.
Outside the stadium, several hundred demonstrators gathered with anti-government signs and flags.
The match proceeded without disruption despite earlier warnings from Iranian officials that the team could refuse to play if unauthorised flags were displayed or political slogans were chanted.
Fans carrying lion-and-sun flags and wearing clothing bearing the symbol were able to enter the stadium without issue, and security did not appear to intervene.
World governing body FIFA has previously cited regulations prohibiting political flags and apparel at matches but has not publicly clarified whether the Iranian pre-revolutionary flag falls under those restrictions. FIFA did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Monday’s events.
On the field, Iran recovered from a difficult start to earn a 2-2 draw against New Zealand, beginning their Group G campaign with a point amid an emotionally charged atmosphere.
