Iranian Expatriates Protest Regime at World Cup Stadium in Los Angeles

Iranian expatriates in the United States gathered outside a Los Angeles stadium before Iran's opening World Cup match, protesting against the regime in their home country.

Outside the stadium where Iran was set to play New Zealand, demonstrators condemned the Iranian national team, viewing it as a symbol of the regime they oppose. Chants of "The mullahs' team is not my team" were heard among the protesters. They called for a change in government and sang the national anthem from the era before the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

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The mullahs' team is not my team

According to the BBC, approximately 200 protesters were present, while Reuters reported between 300 and 500. Many expressed that attending the match would be interpreted as support for the Iranian government. Others entered the stadium displaying symbols from the pre-revolution period. Inside the venue, three Iranians told Reuters they were cheering for New Zealand, stating, "This team is not the team of the Iranian people."

Iran's participation in the World Cup, hosted across the USA, Mexico, and Canada, has drawn significant attention amid ongoing tensions. The Iranian team's base camp was moved from Tucson, Arizona, to Tijuana, Mexico. Iranian players received visas allowing them to enter the U.S. only on match days, requiring them to cross the border on the day of the game and depart the same day. Several leaders and staff members from Iran's Football Federation were denied U.S. visas. A deal to end the conflict between the U.S. and Iran was announced on Sunday, with a signing ceremony planned for Friday.

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This team is not the team of the Iranian people.