Iranian‑American Protesters Gear Up for World Cup Showdown in Los Angeles
Iranian‑American Activists Gear Up for a World Cup Protest in Los Angeles
A coalition of Iranian‑American activists plans a massive demonstration outside the Los Angeles stadium where Iran will face New Zealand in its first World Cup match. The protest aims to wave the historic lion‑and‑sun flag—used by Iran before 1979—and pressure the team to halt play if the banners appear on the field. The Iranian squad has already warned it will stop the game under such circumstances.
Student activist (22 yrs)
“They’re not the national team, they’re the Islamic government’s team. Whether they win or lose, we don’t care.”
The United States and Israel launched a war against Iran in late February, making the country’s participation in a U.S.‑hosted tournament unprecedented. President Trump sent mixed signals, welcoming the team but suggesting they stay away for safety. A planned training camp in Tucson was canceled; Iran shifted to Tijuana, just across the Mexican border. While U.S. officials granted visas to players, more than a dozen staff members were denied entry for the three U.S. group‑stage games.
Los Angeles—home to America’s largest Iranian diaspora, often called “Tehrangeles”—has a history of strong opposition to the Islamic Republic. After Tehran violently suppressed protests in January, thousands marched with the lion‑and‑sun flag to show solidarity. Now they aim to use the World Cup’s global spotlight to press their demands and support those who feel oppressed by the regime.
Sid Mohasseb (65 yrs)
“I can’t sleep over the atrocities happening in Iran.”
His coalition is arranging buses from across California to bring 40,000–50,000 protesters to the stadium on Monday. In a country that values free expression, this is acceptable, but it creates tension for the Iranian team and FIFA. World football rules forbid political symbols inside stadiums, and if violated, officials may be forced to stop the match.
Some protesters plan to conceal the old flag on T‑shirts and reveal it inside the stadium, hoping FIFA cannot enforce its rules effectively. Iman Foroutan of Orange County questions whether stopping the game is practical or necessary.
68‑year‑old activist
“I see Iran’s soccer team as a propaganda tool for the regime. I accuse players of supporting ‘murderers’ and singing the national anthem, which was booed at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar after a crackdown on protests sparked by Mahsa Amini’s death.”
Ali Eslami, Iranian‑American in Tijuana warns that the atmosphere will not improve.
A former tennis coach, 70 years old, expresses sympathy for the players who may have to perform in a hostile environment. He says that if he were in their shoes, he would struggle to focus.
