Iran fans wave banned Lion-and-Sun flag in 0-0 draw Belgium

Iran's World Cup campaign in the United States has become a focal point for political protest and diplomatic friction, overshadowing the team's on-field performance. On Sunday, June 21, 2026, Iran played to a 0-0 draw against Belgium at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, earning a crucial point in Group G. The match was again dominated by scenes of dissent, as fans openly defied a FIFA ban on Iran's prerevolutionary flag and booed the national anthem of the Islamic Republic.

Inside the stadium, supporters displayed the Lion and Sun flag on banners, T-shirts, and signs, despite reports of increased security screenings aimed at keeping the symbol out. The flag, which predates Iran's 1979 Islamic Revolution, was described as being at least as visible as the official Iranian flag. When the anthem played, it was met with widespread booing, echoing protests from Iran's opening match against New Zealand earlier in the week. Following the match, at least one attendee wearing a shirt bearing the prerevolutionary symbol was detained after attempting to run onto the pitch.

Outside the venue, several hundred demonstrators gathered to protest against the Iranian government. The protests...