Iran's World Cup match brings out protester and supporters in US

Key Points:

• Iranian American protesters gathered outside Iran's first World Cup match in Inglewood, California, waving banned pre-revolutionary lion-and-sun flags and calling for political change in Tehran, while some fans inside the stadium supported the team separate from politics.
• The Iranian diaspora in Southern California is divided, with some viewing the national team as representing the Iranian government, and others focusing on enjoying the sport regardless of political tensions.
• FIFA upheld a ban on the pre-revolutionary flag at matches, leading to a lawsuit from Iranian American activists which was rejected by a Los Angeles judge, though the banned flags were still seen inside the stadium.
• Iran's World Cup participation has been complicated by the ongoing war involving U.S. and Israeli forces, causing logistical issues such as relocating the team's training base and visa denials for officials.
• Iranian players expressed a desire to unite and bring joy to all Iranians, while some fans voiced frustration over the intersection of sports and politics, highlighting past repercussions faced by athletes for political expression.