Lion and Sun Flag and Protest Banner Draw Attention During Iran-New Zealand World Cup Match in Los Angeles (opens original article in a new tab)

Iranian opposition activists used the World Cup match in Los Angeles to display the pre-revolution Lion and Sun flag and a banner commemorating victims of January 2026 unrest, highlighting political expression by Iranians abroad.

• Iranian opposition activists displayed the pre-revolution Lion and Sun flag during Iran-New Zealand World Cup match in Los Angeles
• A banner commemorating Iranians killed during January 2026 unrest was shown at the stadium
• FIFA has banned the Lion and Sun flag but Belgian MP Darya Safai carried it into the stadium
• The displays highlighted political expression by Iranians abroad during international football tournaments
• The Lion and Sun flag represents Iranian national identity for some activists but is associated with the former monarchy by critics
• The match drew attention to divisions within the global Iranian community over the Islamic Republic