Iran’s World Cup Squad Faces Protests and Visa Hurdles in Los Angeles
The Iranian national football team arrived in Los Angeles ahead of its World Cup match against New Zealand, staying at a beachfront hotel under heavy security while protests erupted outside both the hotel and the stadium. Demonstrators displayed photographs of executed athletes, called for Iran's expulsion from football's governing body, and highlighted the broader U.S.–Iran conflict that colors the tournament.
Jun 16, 2026
