LOS ANGELES, June 12 (Reuters) – As Iran begins its World Cup journey next week in Los Angeles, Iranian-American businessman Ehsan Shafi is preparing to cheer for Team Melli. This event offers him a rare opportunity to support the national team he loves in his new home.
However, the ongoing U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran casts a shadow over the anticipated sporting celebration. Fans like Shafi find themselves conflicted—eager to witness their team on the global stage, yet troubled by Tehran’s suppression of protests and the extent of Washington’s bombing campaign.
Interviews conducted by Reuters with Iranian-American soccer enthusiasts in Los Angeles, home to the world’s largest Iranian diaspora, reveal a community divided. While some feel pride in their Iranian heritage, others reject the country’s leadership, leaving many to decide whether to participate in or avoid the tournament entirely.
“All players wish to have a chance to play in the World Cup,” said 46-year-old Shafi, after a Sunday morning match with Arya FC, an amateur Iranian-American club in Woodland Hills, Los Angeles.
“It doesn’t matter what’s happening in the world. We are so excited to see our national team.”
Still, Shafi recognizes the complexity of the situation.
“It’s a very complicated situation,” he acknowledged. “Nobody likes to see their country under bombing. It’s very complicated for our people.”
Los Angeles is home to tens of thousands of Iranian-Americans, forming a distinct community often called “Tehrangeles.” This diaspora remains connected to Iran by Team Melli, a symbol of national identity for those who fled after the 1979 Iranian revolution.
Iran will face New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles on June 15 and 21, and will then travel to Seattle to play against Egypt on June 26. Shafi, who has secured tickets, is eager to enjoy the games and the unique opportunity to see the team in person.
Yet, not everyone shares Shafi’s enthusiasm.
Shawn Rezaei, a teammate at Arya FC, has a different perspective.
Rezaei, a 59-year-old restaurant executive who left Iran during the revolution, has attended World Cups in Germany, Brazil, Russia, and Qatar. However, he will refrain from attending this summer.
“I’m a die-hard football fan,” he stated. “But this time, because of the political situation, I’m boycotting.”
Rezaei initially applied for tickets in the U.S. but decided against attending, unable to reconcile his support for the team with his disapproval of Tehran’s authorities.
“This team is not representing the nation,” he remarked. “They are basically a propaganda proxy for the regime.”
This division between Shafi and Rezaei reflects a broader split within the community.
Other Iranian-American fans interviewed by Reuters asked for anonymity, fearing that criticizing the Iranian government might put relatives at risk or that voicing opinions on U.S. policy could have community repercussions.
Some fans also expressed concerns about safety, particularly for younger attendees, worrying that Iran matches might spark anti-war or anti-government protests or lead to U.S. immigration enforcement actions.
These concerns also explain why players often take a cautious approach.
During the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Iran’s team drew global attention when they chose not to sing the national anthem before their first match, seen by many as a gesture of support for anti-government protests.
Subsequent matches saw muted celebrations and restrained displays of nationalism, interpreted by some as subtle defiance, though criticized by others as inadequate.
This incident highlighted the pressures on the team, with reports suggesting that players and their families might face repercussions back home.
“Who am I to judge the actions of the team when I myself don’t want to speak out publicly in case it endangers my family,” said one Iranian-American fan with relatives in Tehran, who intends to attend a World Cup game in Los Angeles.
(Reporting by Joe Brock, editing by Ed Osmond)
