WATCH: Iran Anthem Met With Loud Boos At SoFi Stadium During FIFA World Cup Clash Vs New Zealand

Iran's FIFA World Cup 2026 opener against New Zealand at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles was marred by a massive controversy during the team's national anthem before the match. As the Iranian national anthem played as part of the pre-match custom, the stadium erupted in a mixture of loud cheers and boos. Many fans waved national flags and sang the anthem, showing support for Team Melli; a section opposed it with loud boos, expressing their opposition to the Iranian regime.

Meanwhile, many fans entered the stadium with Iran's pre-revolutionary Lion and Sun flag. FIFA had banned the flag from World Cup stadiums, classifying it as a political symbol under its regulations. The ban was challenged in an urgent hearing before the match, but the decision was upheld.

However, despite the ban, the fans managed to enter the stadium with the flags during the Group G clash. Images and videos circulating on social media showed the banned symbol being displayed prominently during the match. "Free speech is incredibly important; it is sacred, a bedrock of our society, but it is not without limitation, such as private actor, on private property, and as shown by previous cases, regulating in a reasonable way. I deny the application," Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Curtis A.Kin had said while rejecting the request, according to The Athletic.

A Chaotic Build-UpIran's participation in the FIFA World Cup has been far from ideal. The team was uncertain to feature after the US-Iran war broke out in the Middle East; however, it was decided that the team would play the marquee event in the US. Iran was initially set to have its base in Arizona, but later shifted to Tijuana in Mexico to avoid complications. The US also allowed only limited time to the Iran team on US shores, asking them to leave soon after the match.