World Cup: Iran fans turn up in numbers with banned lion and sun flag

Thousands of Iranian supporters showed up at the FIFA World Cup opener against New Zealand with the lion and sun flag, a pre-revolutionary symbol that has become a visible symbol of opposition to the current government.

The packed stadium in Los Angeles, home to one of the world’s largest communities of the Iranian diaspora, could not miss the flag banned by FIFA. Fans draped it over their shoulders, waved it from the stands and held it in the air during Iran’s opening match against New Zealand on Monday.

The atmosphere was often unlike typical World Cup matches.

Parts of Iran’s national anthem were drowned out by whistles while many others in the crowd sang along. Some fans cheered Iran’s attacks and goals all night, while others celebrated New Zealand’s goals with equal intensity.

WHY IS THIS FLAG BANNED?

The contrasting reactions reflected the different identities inside the stadium and highlighted the complicated relationship between parts of the diaspora and the Melli team and the state it represents.

The lion and sun emblem was used on Iran’s national flag before the Islamic Revolution in 1979 and is no longer officially recognized by the country. However, over the years it has remained a powerful symbol among sections of the Iranian diaspora and anti-government groups.

The political backdrop surrounding Iran’s World Cup campaign was already unusually tense.

IRAN FIGHT FROM NOISE DRAW NEW ZEALAND

Iran entered the tournament amid strained relations with host nation the United States and are based in Tijuana, Mexico, instead of remaining on US soil full-time during the group stage. There were also reports that some members of the Iranian delegation faced travel complications.

But once the game started, Iran fought through the noise.

New Zealand twice took the lead through Elijah Just, who combined well with captain Chris Wood, before Iran responded each time to earn a 2-2 draw.

Right-back Ramin Rezaeian equalized in the first half before delivering a cross that was converted by Mohammad Mohebbi in the 64th minute to salvage a point.

Nevertheless, even after the final whistle, football was secondary. For many in attendance, the evening became less about the result and more about the visibility, identity and symbols carried on one of the biggest sporting stages.

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Issued by:

Kingshuk Kusari

Published on:

16 Jun 2026 11:36 IST