LOS ANGELES — Iran began its World Cup campaign with a 2-2 draw against New Zealand on June 17, 2026, at Los Angeles Stadium, attracting a near-capacity crowd amid previous concerns about ticket sales. Fans displayed a range of symbols, with some waving the flag of the Islamic Republic of Iran and others showing the pre-revolution Lion and Sun flag, which is associated with opponents of the current government. This division in symbolism reflects differing sentiments about supporting the national soccer team while separating it from political views on Iran’s leadership. The divide is evident in communities across Southern California, which has one of the largest Iranian populations outside of Iran.
On the Sunday before the World Cup opener, members of Arya FC, a local soccer team, gathered for a playoff match in a recreational over-48 league. Co-founder Nader Adeli, who manages and coaches the team, noted that most players are Iranian-born immigrants, and they primarily communicate in Persian. Adeli emphasized the unifying power of soccer, stating, "Football brings nations together. When we gather, we pray for peace and unity."
Ahead of the match, Arya FC player Vartan Golbodaghians expressed his support for the national team, stating, "I support my country 100%. I support my country team 100%. Government is government. Team is team. I don’t care about politics. I support my country and my players." Adeli shared his emotional connection to Iran, despite living abroad for many years, and expressed hope that Iran would advance further in the tournament than in previous World Cups.
However, not all community members share this view. Amin Jafari, a former soccer player in Iran now residing in Southern California, criticized the national team for not acknowledging those who lost their lives during recent anti-government protests, stating, "There is nothing more important than the people who lost their lives for Iran." He noted a disconnect between the players and the public, saying, "The connection between the players and the people is already gone."
Despite these differing opinions, Adeli maintained that players focus on the game during matches, stating, "For the 90 minutes, we all put everything aside in our life, and we play football."