Inglewood (California, USA), 16 June (LaPresse/AP) – Iran’s opening match at the 2026 World Cup took place in an electric atmosphere, largely created by supporters from the diaspora who remain furious with the current Iranian government but continue to back the national team. Whilst several hundred Iranian-Americans protested against the Ayatollahs’ government outside the stadium, many fans booed and turned their backs on the pitch during the national anthem. Dozens of emblems of the Lion and Sun, the symbol of Iran’s official flag prior to the 1979 revolution, were displayed amongst the crowd despite FIFA’s attempts to keep them out, whilst dozens more fans wore shirts bearing the same symbols. However, the vast majority of the crowd loudly supported the Iranian players once the match began. “There was an incredible atmosphere during the match, for the full 90 minutes,” said Iran captain Mehdi Taremi, “for us it was like being at home.”
2026 World Cup: some Iranian fans turn their backs during the national anthem
Inglewood (California, USA), 16 June (LaPresse/AP) – Iran’s opening match at the 2026 World Cup took place in an electric atmosphere, largely created by supporters from the diaspora who remain furious with the current Iranian government but continue to back the national team. Whilst several hundred Iranian-Americans protested against the Ayatollahs’ government outside the stadium, many fans booed and turned their backs on the pitch during the national anthem. Dozens of emblems of the Lion and Sun, the symbol of Iran’s official flag prior to the 1979 revolution, were displayed amongst the crowd despite FIFA’s attempts to keep them out, whilst dozens more fans wore shirts bearing the same symbols. However, the vast majority of the crowd loudly supported the Iranian players once the match began. “There was an incredible atmosphere during the match, for the full 90 minutes,” said Iran captain Mehdi Taremi, “for us it was like being at home.”
