Iran World Cup opener divides Los Angeles diaspora (opens in new tab)

Several hundred Iranian Americans protested outside Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood, California, on Monday as Iran opened its 2026 World Cup campaign against New Zealand, while thousands of fans entered the venue to watch the Group G match. Demonstrators called for political change in Tehran and waved pre-revolutionary lion-and-sun flags, while fans wearing Iran colors said they wanted to separate soccer from politics. Iran and New Zealand played to a draw after Iran's national anthem drew b...