'Iranian people reject this regime': Protesters condemn regime ahead of World Cup opener in LA
Jun 16, 2026
About a dozen protesters gathered outside SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, ahead of Iran’s opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Demonstrators condemned the Iranian government, waving Iran’s pre-revolutionary flag and displaying signs featuring the names and photos of athletes they allege were killed by Iranian authorities. Protest organizers said they wanted to draw attention to human rights concerns and political repression in Iran while the world’s focus remains on football. Some activists also called on FIFA to exclude Iran from the tournament, arguing that the governing body should not provide a platform to the Iranian government. Iran was scheduled to begin its group-stage campaign against New Zealand national football team at SoFi Stadium later that day.
