LOS ANGELES — Following a goalless match between Iran and Belgium at SoFi Stadium, the Belgian team quickly exited to their lockers.
The Iranian World Cup team, however, chose a different path.
Players from Team Melli stayed on the field, taking a slow lap to acknowledge their fans, who filled the stands with chants of “Iran!” The Iranian athletes raised their hands in appreciation, clapping for the crowd. Among the fans, some waved Iran’s pre-revolution lion and sun flag, a symbol of resistance against the Islamic Republic, which FIFA has banned.
Majid, an Iranian American supporter from Seattle, expressed his support: “The team, even though there is controversy … the team is here, they want to win … and we support them,” he stated.
This created a striking contrast: Iranian players representing the Islamic Republic applauded a crowd where some spectators displayed a flag opposing the very government the team represents.
Iran is set to play its final group stage match against Egypt in Seattle on June 26, coinciding with the city’s monthlong LGBTQ+ Pride celebration. This timing has led to formal complaints from both Middle Eastern nations involved.
