Iran Makes Its Debut at 2026 World Cup Amid War, Visa Restrictions

Pre-Revolutionary Flags Fly At Iran's World Cup Opener, Defying FIFA Ban

Dozens of soccer fans displayed Iran’s pre-revolutionary Lion and Sun flag during the country’s World Cup opener against New Zealand in defiance of FIFA, which won a court hearing allowing it to prohibit the symbol inside venues. The Lion and Sun flag, flown over Iran before the Islamic Revolution in 1979, has become a symbol of resistance to decades of repressive theocratic rule in the country. It is also widely displayed by Iranian monarchist …

Some Iranian Americans wave protest flags, others cheer as Iran open the World Cup

Iran began their World Cup campaign in Los Angeles on Monday with a 2-2 draw against New Zealand, before a crowd that mixed fans cheering the team and Iranian Americans waving symbols of protest against the government in Tehran. The match was played barely 24 hours after the announcement of a preliminary agreement to end the war that the United States and Israel launched against Iran in February.

Iran Team Forced To Leave U.S. Immediately After World Cup Draw Amid Protests Against Tehran

The Iranian football team were forced to leave the U.S. immediately after their 2-2 World Cup group stage draw with New Zealand. Iranian coach Amir Ghalenoei said U.S. officials ordered the team to leave the country after the match yesterday, and was quoted calling his team the “most repressed team in the whole World Cup.” The Iranians have now returned to their training camp in Tijuana. Ghalenoei claimed the plan was originally to remain in…

Iran vs New Zealand FIFA World Cup Match Result: Iran rally twice amid geopolitical turmoil to deny New Zealand

Iran showcased remarkable resilience, twice coming from behind to secure a 2-2 draw against New Zealand in their politically charged World Cup opener. Mohammad Mohebbi's late equaliser capped a spirited comeback for Team Melli, who have faced a turbulent build-up to the tournament. The match, played before a passionate pro-Iranian crowd, saw Iran overcome deficits to claim a valuable point.

Iran opens politically charged World Cup by playing to 2-2 draw with New Zealand

INGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) — Iran opened its politically charged World Cup by playing to a 2-2 draw with New Zealand on Monday night, overcoming two deficits and getting the tying goal from Mohammad Mohebbi in the 64th minute.

Iran makes its debut at 2026 World Cup amid war, visa restrictions

Iran will kick off its first match of the 2026 World Cup on Monday night against New Zealand. Nicole Valdes reports.