Iran's World Cup opener against New Zealand in Los Angeles on Monday became a showcase of competing visions of Iranian identity, with most supporters rallying behind Team Melli while pro-monarchy activists used the occasion to display opposition symbols despite FIFA's ban on political flags. Fans inside SoFi Stadium in Inglewood were seen waving both Iran's current national flag, which has served as the country's official flag since the 1979 revolution, and the Lion and Sun flag, a symbol associated with Iran's monarchical era and now commonly used by pro-monarchy activists and opposition groups abroad.
Ahead of the World Cup, FIFA had explicitly prohibited the display of the Lion and Sun flag inside stadiums because of its political symbolism.
Football's governing body generally bans political symbols at matches. Its regulations prohibit materials deemed political, discriminatory or offensive, including flags, banners and clothing carrying political messages.
Despite the restrictions, several spectators appeared to display the Lion and Sun flag during Monday's match.
Videos circulating on social media after the game appeared to show stadium officials removing some of the flags in line with FIFA regulations, although it remains unclear whether any action was taken before supporters entered the venue.
The New Arab has contacted FIFA for comment.
The controversy surrounding the flags reflected wider political tensions within sections of the Iranian diaspora.
The Lion and Sun banner became prominent during anti-government protests following the death of Mahsa Amini in 2022 and has frequently appeared alongside Israeli and US flags at demonstrations organised by some opposition groups abroad during the recent conflict.
Following the match, videos shared online appeared to show pro-monarchy activists confronting and verbally harassing supporters carrying Iran's official flag, with some accusing them of supporting terrorism.
Similar scenes were reported outside Iran's training base before the tournament, where demonstrators carrying Lion and Sun, Israeli and US flags gathered to protest the national team's presence.
Before kick-off, the Iranian national anthem drew a mixed reaction from the crowd, with some sections booing while others applauded. The players nevertheless sang along throughout.
The politically charged atmosphere came amid ongoing criticism from Iranian officials, players and supporters over restrictions imposed on the team by US authorities.
Several members of Iran's national team staff were reportedly denied visas ahead of the tournament, while Washington declined to host Team Melli despite all of their group-stage fixtures being played on US soil.
Mexico instead agreed to host the squad at a training base in Tijuana, forcing the team to cross the border repeatedly for matches.
US authorities initially required the team to enter and leave the country on the same day as fixtures. The policy was later eased, allowing the squad to arrive one day before matches, though concerns remain over the impact of the travel demands on player welfare and performance.
On the pitch, Iran twice came from behind to secure a 2-2 draw against New Zealand.
Goals from Ramin Rezaeian and Mohammad Mohebi earned Team Melli a point in their opening Group G match, leaving them second in the standings.
Iran face Belgium on 21 June in California before travelling to Seattle to take on Egypt five days later.
Following the match, head coach Amir Ghalenoei and players Mehdi Taremi and Mohammad Mohebi sharply criticised both US authorities and FIFA over their treatment of the team.
Ghalenoei described Iran as "the most oppressed team" at the tournament, arguing that the travel restrictions had placed an unfair burden on his players.
He said the squad was forced to leave Los Angeles immediately after the match and return to its training base in Mexico, reducing valuable recovery time between fixtures.
The coach added that the team had raised its concerns directly with FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who personally visited the dressing room after the match.