Iran Trains in Mexico Ahead of World Cup Match Against New Zealand Near Los Angeles
@NBCNews reported that Iran's national team plays New Zealand on Monday in Inglewood, California. Some Iranian Americans plan to protest outside the stadium while others organize watch parties.
thesouthafrican.comIran's national team trained in Tijuana, Mexico, on Sunday ahead of its World Cup opener against New Zealand on Monday, June 15, 2026. U.S. visas.
A rally is scheduled outside the stadium near Los Angeles, home to the largest Iranian community outside Iran. Participants plan to wear lion-and-sun T-shirts and wave the pre-1979 Islamic Revolution flag. Ali Javahery, 59, a consultant born in Iran who lives in Orange County, California, said he will protest outside the match.
"This is not 'Team Melli,'" Javahery said. " Team captain Mehdi Taremi addressed the divided community at a press conference on Sunday. "We play for every Iranian, be it in the diaspora or in Iran," Taremi said.
"We are here to bring joy to Iranian people. We do not get involved in politics. " Reza Garajedaghi, 57, said he will watch the game with his 96-year-old father in San Diego. He did not buy tickets, citing high prices, but said the team represents Iranians worldwide regardless of government.
"To me, it has nothing to do with whatever government they have in Iran," Garajedaghi said. Watch parties are planned across Southern California. When Iran was assigned last year to play in Los Angeles, many bought tickets, though some later sold them following January's crackdown on dissent.
Iran coach Amir Ghalenoei said he welcomed the diaspora support. "I am just happy that they are coming to watch us and I hope that they will pray for us and I hope that they will encourage us," Ghalenoei said on Sunday. He added that he hoped the team would repay that loyalty with a strong performance.
Star striker Sardar Azmoun was not selected for the squad, reportedly after a social media post angered authorities. Ghalenoei called Azmoun an "excellent player" and said he wished the forward were with the team. In 2022, a prominent former national team member was arrested for allegedly protesting against the country's leadership.
The Iranian American Institute for Voices for Liberty filed a lawsuit last week in California challenging FIFA's rule barring political flags. During Friday's opening ceremony in Los Angeles, members of the crowd booed when Iran's flag was brought onto the field.
