The team arrived in the US for the first time this World Cup on Sunday, flying in from their training camp in Tijuana, Mexico, landing in Los Angeles just as a deal to conclude the US-Iran war was revealed.
They are scheduled to face New Zealand in Group G at 6 p.m. local time.
Iran’s involvement in the tournament has been marred by controversy in light of the ongoing war, which commenced in February following US and Israeli airstrikes on Iran.
This escalation came after widespread protests in January within Iran that resulted in thousands being killed during a brutal government crackdown.
In recent weeks, the soccer team shifted their training base from Arizona to Mexico, while their federation expressed concerns that not all staff members received US visas and that tickets reserved for supporters had been revoked.
In Los Angeles, which hosts the largest Iranian community outside of Iran—many of whom fled after the Islamic Revolution—Iranian American soccer enthusiasts report feeling conflicted between the excitement of witnessing the team on the global stage, anger towards Tehran’s repression of protesters, and apprehension about the US’s military actions.
Flag debate
On Monday morning, security was heightened in Inglewood near the stadium where the match is set to occur. Several surrounding roads were already cordoned off, and police officers were visible throughout the area.
A group of about a dozen protesters gathered outside the stadium, with larger demonstrations anticipated later. Some community members expressed their intent to watch the match on television, feeling uneasy about potential unrest at the stadium or the implication of supporting Iran’s government by attending.
“How can they cheer for a team that represents the flag of the Islamic Republic and the national anthem?” asked Koroush Krumarsi during a protest outside the team hotel on Sunday.
Others indicated plans to attend the match while attempting to bring in protest symbols, including the pre-revolution Iranian flag, which features the same colors as the current official flag but displays a different lion-and-sun emblem.
This situation creates the likelihood of confrontation with security forces regarding US rights to free speech and expression.
Iran has warned that it may cancel matches if unofficial flags are displayed or slogans are shouted. A California non-profit initiated a lawsuit to block any limitations, but this was dismissed on Monday during a court hearing, with the judge stating that a stadium does not qualify as a public forum, and last-minute changes could negatively affect staff.
FIFA, the governing body of world soccer, stated that it prohibits political flags or apparel when queried about the situation. However, it has not specifically addressed its stance on the pre-revolution Iranian flag.
