Iranian Fans Break Down In Tears After FIFA World Cup Officials Seize Their Flags On U.S. Soil [VIDEO]

Iranian supporter (Photo via Twitter)

The Iranian fan base is crying foul this week after their opening match at the World Cup.

Before the World Cup, it was reported that activists launched a digital platform designed to display the Lion and Sun flag and political messages inside 2026 World Cup stadiums after FIFA restricted the symbol’s entry.

The 2026 World Cup is being hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with Iran’s matches scheduled to take place in the United States.

Things got off to a great start on the pitch, but not in the stands.

Iranian Woman Cries Foul Over Flags Being Removed

June 15, 2026; Inglewood, California, U.S.; An Iran fan holds a Palestine flag in the stands during the match. Mandatory Credit: Gary Vasquez-Imagn Images

FIFA’s ban on pre-revolutionary Iran flags at the World Cup has been upheld after a last-minute hearing in Los Angeles on Monday. Dozens of Iran supporters at the World Cup defied FIFA’s ban by displaying the pre-revolutionary Iranian flag inside SoFi Stadium.

Ahead of Iran’s World Cup opener against New Zealand, hundreds of demonstrators rallied outside the stadium to protest the Iranian regime.

Inside SoFi Stadium, the fans had their flag visible throughout the crowd, with fans displaying it on flags and T-shirts alike. It would not last very long.

A video on X showed fans upset after security confiscated their pre-1979 Lion and Sun flags. Many Iranians view the Lion and Sun emblem as the authentic national flag and use the event to express anti-regime sentiment despite enforcement efforts.

One woman called out in the stadium for taking these flags.

“Iranian fans cr!es out inside the stadium yesterday after their flags were reportedly taken from them by FIFA official 🥹💔🏟️,” a post read.

FIFA said the pre-revolutionary flag violated the organization’s code of conduct, which states “banners, flags, fliers, apparel and other paraphernalia, that are of a political, offensive and/or discriminatory nature” will not be allowed.

Security at SoFi Stadium was tight, with fans passing through metal detectors and bag checks. They may have missed the flags the first time, but they certainly got them later.

Iranian Fans Break Down In Tears After FIFA World Cup Officials Seize Their Flags On U.S. Soil [VIDEO]
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