Pride and protest in ‘Tehrangeles’: A divided diaspora watches Iran at the World Cup (opens original article in a new tab)

Iranian diaspora in Los Angeles showed divided reactions during Iran's World Cup match, with some displaying pre-revolutionary flags to express cultural pride and opposition to the regime, while others focused on celebrating soccer and community.

• Iranian diaspora in Los Angeles displayed pre-revolutionary lion-and-sun flags during Iran's World Cup match against New Zealand
• Flags symbolized both support for Iranian people and opposition to the Islamic Republic regime
• FIFA banned the flags as political, but many fans ignored the policy to express cultural pride
• Some protesters called for FIFA to expel Iran's team over its ties to the regime
• Iranian fans at watch parties focused on celebrating soccer and community despite political tensions
• Players faced risks of punishment for opposing the government, with some like Sardar Azmoun excluded for alleged disloyalty