Messages during the first game
Iran threatens fans with harsh punishments
June 17, 2026 – 12:34 a.mReading time: 2 minutes
During Iran’s World Cup match against New Zealand, there were political messages and protests in and outside the stadium. Now the Iranian judiciary is announcing consequences for fans involved.
The Iranian judiciary wants to take action against football fans who ignored the national anthem and shouted slogans critical of the government at Iran’s World Cup game against New Zealand. As the news portal Nour News, which is close to the Security Council, reported, many of those involved have already been identified.
Those affected are threatened with the confiscation of their assets in Iran. The judiciary also announced legal action against fans described as “troublemakers” at the Iranian national team’s next two World Cup games. Similar penalties should be imposed.
There are always political messages in the stadium
Iran started the tournament on Tuesday night with a 2-2 draw against New Zealand in Inglewood, California. Messages related to the months-long war waged by the USA and Israel against Iran were repeatedly shown around the stadium and in the stands. Supporters and opponents of the course in Tehran met in the stadium.
Both the current Iranian flag and the older flag from before the Islamic Revolution were on display. This is considered a symbol of the opposition, which has numerous supporters in the Southern California diaspora. By court order, FIFA was allowed to fly the so-called “Lion and Sun” flag in the arena. Stewards were repeatedly observed taking appropriate measures.
Whistles during Iranian anthem
A banner with the inscription “42,000 #IranMassacre” also attracted attention. The message was understood as a reference to the violent crackdown on protests in Tehran at the beginning of the year that left thousands of victims. Another small group displayed a poster with the words “Minab168” written on it. The fans were referring to the 168 people who were killed in a bomb attack on a girls’ school in southern Iran on February 28th. Among the victims were numerous students between the ages of seven and twelve as well as many teachers and parents. According to media reports, US forces were said to be responsible for the attack.
Whistles could clearly be heard during the Iranian national anthem. The players stood together in the center circle and each held one hand on their chest.
In front of the stadium in Los Angeles, a fan told the German Press Agency: “I’m happy to support the people of Iran here, I don’t support the regime.” The Iranian team’s goals were then loudly celebrated in the stadium.