World Cup 2026: Iran's Division Resurfaces Ahead of New Zealand Match
Despite the Iranian team's desire to unite their nation, the deep divisions among fans—protests outside the stadium and support inside—were evident as emotions ran high in their match against New Zealand at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Iran vs. New Zealand is not the only match set on the ticket for the World Cup 2026. In the seats and outside the stadium in Los Angeles, it seems that Iran vs. Iran also happened, while the political conflict around football is tight.
Thousands of fans, mostly Iranian-American, gathered outside and inside the stadium. Outside, flags with the Lion and Sun—a historic symbol of opposition to the current Tehran government—were waving. Despite FIFA banning the flag from being placed inside, it still made many entries, printed on t-shirts and flags on the bleachers.
Several hundred demonstrators also gathered outside, chanting, "The mullah's team is not my team" and "Replace the Iranian government." It was further fueled by their singing of Iran's pre-revolutionary national anthem, a symbol of their desire for freedom and honor.
Inside, it was a different scene: strong support for the team, shouts and applause for the players. When Iran pulled two back to tie against New Zealand, the fans cheered. But note—there are flags of the current republic and there is also the Lion and Sun, both dressed in Iran's colors, but signifying differently.
<figure style="margin:2rem 0;overflow:hidden;border:1px solid #e2e2e2;background:#f9f9f9"><img src="https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/ace/branded_sport/1200/cpsprodpb/300d/live/f4f0e580-6934-11f1-9eac-df8ea7226b66.jpg" alt="Image" style="width:100%;height:auto;object-fit:contain" loading="lazy" /></figure>According to Samaneh, an Iranian-American, "I'm here to support Iran, not the government." He felt sadness when he heard the national anthem, remembering his mother who could not travel to America due to travel restrictions and paper problems.
The contradictions were stark—there were those who jumped for joy every time New Zealand scored against them, carrying the opposition flag. Others, although critical, tried to separate the team and manage. Iran's striker Mehdi Taremi said, ôWe play this for all Iranians, we don't interfere in politics.ö
Visa issues also caused a delay in the team's base camp, which was moved from Arizona to Tijuana, Mexico, so while they were playing in America, they were based in Mexico. The tension between football, politics, and identity worsened.
Even Elika, an Iranian-American spectator, dedicated the watch to her late father and fellow countrymen who just wanted to enjoy the game and peace.
As chants of support and protests erupted, the deep divisions among Iran's supporters clearly surfaced in this match. It will remain a challenge for their team to truly unite their nation—but, at the World Cup, their dream of uniting against all odds will continue.
