Iran's World Cup opener marked by boos, protest flags, and a 2-2 draw

Iran’s opening match at the 2026 World Cup was overshadowed by political protests in the stands at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles overnight between Monday and Tuesday. During the Iranian anthem, some fans booed, while protest flags were raised alongside Israeli and Palestinian flags. Many supporters also managed to bring in the pre-revolution Lion and Sun symbol, despite restrictions on using it at matches.

The scene reflected a wider pattern around Iran’s national team, whose games have increasingly become a stage for opponents of the clerical regime to voice opposition to the ayatollahs in Tehran. According to posts on social media from regime critics, the boos during the anthem were meant as a message against the government. Before kickoff, the stands already showed an unusual mix of the Islamic Republic flag, opposition banners, and Israeli and Palestinian flags.

On the field, Iran and New Zealand drew 2-2 in Group G. Elijah Just put New Zealand ahead in the 7th minute and added a second in the 54th. Iran equalized through Hamin Rezaian in the 32nd minute, and Mohammad Mobei completed the comeback for the second equalizer in the 64th.

The result was one of four draws in the tournament over the past day, with the last four World Cup matches all ending without a winner. Iran and New Zealand now sit near the top of Group G ahead of the next round, when Iran meets Belgium and New Zealand plays Egypt.