Iran kicked off their World Cup in Los Angeles on Monday in front of a crowd that consisted of both fans cheering them on and Iranian Americans waving symbols of protest against the Tehran government.
The run-up to the match has been one of extraordinary drama off the pitch, with the team playing on US soil barely 24 hours after a peace deal was announced to end the war that began when the U.S. and Israel attacked Iran in February.
Many Iranian American football fans – many of whom fled the country after the Islamic Revolution – say they are torn between excitement at seeing the team on the world’s biggest stage, anger at Tehran’s crackdown on protesters and concern about Washington’s bombing campaign.
Hundreds gather in protest
Around 300 to 500 protesters gathered outside the stadium, waving anti-Iranian government signs and flags. They said they did not want to attend the match as it would imply support for Tehran.
