2026 World Cup: Political tensions ‘weaken’ Iran’s World Cup hopes

Los Angeles is often nicknamed “The Trangles” – a fact that drew a smile from both the player and manager when he mentioned it at a news conference.

Many Iranian-Americans will travel to Sofi Stadium on Monday, where Iran will open its World Cup campaign against New Zealand.

Many are there to protest, not to cheer.

FIFA has banned the pre-revolutionary lion and sun flag – an iconic symbol for many Iranians living abroad.

The decision has angered a section of the diaspora.

“We can’t come to Los Angeles and wave the lion and sun flag,” said activist Arezo Rashidian, who has been organizing demonstrations outside the stadium.

“This is the largest Iranian community outside of Iran. Many of us came here after the revolution. We are protesting the FIFA ban and standing in solidarity with the Iranian people.”

Many members of the diaspora are hostile to the Iranian regime, and some see the group as an extension of the Islamic Republic.

“It is unfortunate that the regime has turned athletes into mouthpieces.” said Rashidian. We want athletes to remain athletes.

Even so, she and many others still plan to attend the Games.

“We understand the pressure they’re under,” she said. “We hold our colors. We support the country under the control of Iran – the Islamic Republic.”

But as protesters prepare to chant outside the stadium, Iran’s players say their focus is on football.

“As national team players, we play for Iranians in the diaspora as well as in Iran,” Taremi said.

“In any country, people have different views. We are here to unite people and bring happiness. Everyone has the right to their own opinion, we don’t get involved in politics.”

That might be the best.

But for the Iranian team, keeping politics out of the stadium can be difficult in a competition where football is often seen as a sideline for this team.

“There is no victory for the Iranian team,” says investigative football journalist Samindra Kunti.

From the conditions in Los Angeles, political pressure, the location of the matches and the diaspora are under great pressure.

“It is impossible to stay away from politics.

“Everything will be a reminder of their condition.”

Players face pressure from home, host country and diaspora.

All before the ball is hit.