Iran Arrives in Los Angeles as World Cup Debut Carries Political Tensions

Iran is set to open its World Cup campaign against New Zealand on Monday night into Tuesday, but before kickoff the team has become one of the tournament’s most sensitive storylines. It is arriving in Los Angeles, home to the largest Iranian community outside Iran, amid the war with the United States, a memorandum of understanding meant to end it, disputes over opposition symbols, and unprecedented security measures.

Unlike most teams, Iran’s every move in the United States carries political and security implications. Its training base was moved from Tucson, Arizona, to Tijuana, Mexico, near the U.S. border, meaning the squad must cross into the United States for each group-stage match. In Los Angeles, Iran will hold a formal press conference at the stadium for the New Zealand match, then a familiar stadium tour, followed by training at the LA Galaxy’s MLS complex.

White House World Cup task force chief Andrew Giuliani said U.S. authorities are doing everything possible to protect the players, staff, and fans. He said the United States is committed to allowing Iran to compete safely and with dignity, while also protecting opposition figures and Iranians who oppose the Tehran regime.

The issue is already visible in Los Angeles. At FIFA’s fan festival at the Coliseum, some Iranian fans displayed the pre-1979 Lion and Sun flag, but FIFA said it will not be allowed inside official stadiums, though it should be permitted outside. Two fans told Walla they were angry and would try to protest during the tournament. The tension was also evident at the opening ceremony, where boos were heard when Iran’s flag was shown. Iran is appearing at its fourth straight and seventh World Cup, but has never reached the knockout stage. New Zealand, back at the tournament for the first time since 2010, is seeking its first World Cup win, led by striker Chris Wood. For now, however, the match is being viewed as a test of how the United States handles one of the tournament’s most controversial teams.