World Cup 2026: Boos during Iran's national anthem in Los Angeles (vid)

Tensions flared at the SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles as a portion of Iranian fans booed during the national anthem before a World Cup 2026 qualifying match. The audible disapproval was captured on television broadcasts and circulated in videos online.

Reports indicate the protests originated mainly from members of the Iranian diaspora residing in the United States. These individuals expressed their opposition to the current regime of the Islamic Republic of Iran through their reactions during the anthem.

Adding to the display of dissent, many attendees were seen holding the flag featuring a lion and sun, which served as the national symbol of Iran prior to the Islamic Revolution in 1979. This imagery further underscored the political sentiment present among a segment of the stadium's crowd.

The incident did not go unnoticed by international broadcasters, who commented on the jeers as a clear indication of the political opposition held by some Iranian fans towards their country's present government. The event highlighted the deep divisions and sentiments held by expatriate communities regarding their homeland's political situation.