Iranian fans flood SoFi Stadium with banned Lion-and-Sun flags despite FIFA’s crackdown at World Cup

FIFA tried to ban the pre-revolutionary Iranian flag. Iranian fans at SoFi Stadium made sure everyone saw it, though.

In their second consecutive World Cup match in Los Angeles, Iranian fans openly filled the stands with the Lion and Sun flag during Sunday’s 0-0 draw with Belgium, completely ignoring FIFA’s efforts to keep the symbol out of the tournament.

According to videos and photos shared by account But efforts have done little to stop it.

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When the match started, the Lion and Sun flags were everywhere; it appeared throughout the crowd on banners, jerseys and banners.

Iranian fans celebrate their team’s tough goalless draw against Belgium during their 2026 FIFA World Cup match in Inglewood, California. (Photo: Keith Birmingham/MediaNews Group/Pasadena Star-News via Getty Images) ((Photo: Keith Birmingham/MediaNews Group/Pasadena Star-News via Getty Images))

It was impossible to miss the huge reaction against Iran’s ruling regime even before the match started.

When the anthem of the Islamic Republic of Iran was played on the speakers, a deafening wave of boos broke out at SoFi Stadium.

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“Where is Rashid Mazaheri?” one supporter asked, referring to the former Iran national team goalkeeper whose detention became a rallying cry after publicly criticizing the regime’s leadership earlier this year. He carried a banner that said:

Tension increased during the match when a fan wearing an Iran jersey was arrested by law enforcement and taken out.

Despite the heavy security presence, the large Lion and Sun flags remained visible in the stands for most of the match.

Political drama largely overshadowed the action on the ground. Iran clinched a tough point in a goalless draw against the Belgium squad down to 10 men after Nathan Ngoy received a red card in the second half.

While Iranian goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand made seven saves to avoid conceding a goal, Mehdi Taremi’s goal in the first half was overturned due to offside.

Sunday’s defiance perfectly mirrored Iran’s opening match against New Zealand, where fans ignored FIFA’s restrictions and loudly booed the official anthem.

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FIFA’s ban continues.

But the fans seem unmoved. While Iran is expected to face Egypt in its last match in Group G on June 26, tournament officials may soon find themselves facing the same scenes again.

An Iran fan was detained by security during the Belgium-Iran FIFA World Cup match played at SoFi Stadium. (Photo: Nico Vereecken / Photo News via Getty Images) ((Photo by Nico Vereecken/Photo News via Getty Images))

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