Al Jazeera English • June 16, 2026 06:37

Football upstages politics as Iranians rally behind their team at World Cup

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In opener against New Zealand in Los Angeles, Iran's Team Melli gets cheers from thousands of anti-regime supporters.

Story Timeline

Mon 06:46 - Al Jazeera English

World Cup: Iranians in Los Angeles divided on whether to cheer or jeer Iran

Mon 13:21 - France 24

Mixed emotions among diaspora as Iran begins World Cup campaign

Tue 04:25 - BBC Headlines

Iranian-Americans protest against Iran team at World Cup

Tue 06:37 - Al Jazeera English

Football upstages politics as Iranians rally behind their team at World Cup

Tue 06:55 - Euronews

Protesting and cheering as Iran's World Cup match divides diaspora

Different Perspectives

Al Jazeera English

1 article

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06:46

World Cup: Iranians in Los Angeles divided on whether to cheer or jeer Iran

US host city braces for protests near stadium as Iran prepares to start its World Cup campaign against New Zealand.

BBC Headlines

1 article

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04:25

Iranian-Americans protest against Iran team at World Cup

The BBC’s Shaimaa Khalil was outside the Iran v New Zealand opening round match as protesters called for an end to Tehran’s clerical regime.

Euronews

1 article

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06:55

Protesting and cheering as Iran's World Cup match divides diaspora

Iran's opening World Cup match drew both supporters and protesters outside the stadium near Los Angeles, highlighting divisions within the Iranian-American community.

France 24

1 article

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13:21

Mixed emotions among diaspora as Iran begins World Cup campaign

Tonight, Iran begin their World Cup campaign against New Zealand in Los Angeles. It's a match taking place under unprecedented conditions. For the first time in World Cup history, a …