Iran Fans Turn World Cup Warmup Into Anti-Regime Protest in California

Iran drew New Zealand 2-2 in a lively match in California, but much of the attention focused on protests from Iranian fans in the stands. The crowd included many Iranian immigrants and children of immigrants, and some of the 70,108 spectators arrived carrying the Lion and Sun flag, the banner of the Shah's monarchy that was toppled in the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

A sign reading “Massacre. 42,000” was also displayed, a reference to people killed in violent repression of anti-regime protests in January. During the national anthem, loud boos were heard as fans waved both Israeli and Palestinian flags alongside Shah-era banners. Anti-regime Iranians also posted multiple videos from the stadium during the game.

The display came after an American court overrode a FIFA instruction that had tried to restrict the flags. Iranian Sports Minister Ahmad Donmalali said he expected players to walk off the field if they saw anti-government protests, but that did not happen during the 2-2 draw.

Donmalali also claimed he had instructed coach Amir Ghalenoei to stop the match. The article notes that Iran also played amid major protests during the 2022 World Cup, and links the current scene to continuing opposition to the ayatollahs' rule.