Trump’s Iran peace deal overshadowed by boos for anthem at World Cup
Fans turn their back on the pitch during the national anthems during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group G match between Iran and New Zealand at Los Angeles Stadium on June 15 (Getty)
Iran’s national anthem was booed by some spectators at SoFI Stadium in Los Angeles during their World Cup match against New Zealand.
The game occurred hours after President Donald Trump announced a preliminary US-Iran peace deal to end America’s war with Iran.
Hundreds of protesters gathered outside the stadium, demonstrating against the Iranian regime and its crackdown on pro-democracy activists.
Iran’s participation in the tournament has been controversial, set against the backdrop of a war and internal protests in Iran.
FIFA upheld a ban on the pre-revolutionary Iranian flag, citing rules against political, offensive, or discriminatory symbols.
