For the second straight World Cup match in LA, Iranian supporters openly flooded the stands with the Lion-and-Sun flag during Sunday's 0-0 draw against Belgium, completely ignoring FIFA's efforts to keep the symbol out of the tournament.Iran supporter detained by security during Belgium-Iran FIFA World Cup 2026 Group G match at SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles.( Photo by Nico Vereecken / Photo News via Getty Images) (( Photo by Nico Vereecken / Photo News via Getty Images))According to videos and photos shared by the X account Throwback Iran, FIFA and stadium security cranked up screening measures ahead of kickoff, subjecting fans to additional security screenings to keep the banned flag out of the venue.
But the effort did little to stop it.PROTESTER SCALES IRANIAN EMBASSY IN LONDON, TEARS DOWN REGIME FLAG, HOISTS PRE-REVOLUTION SYMBOLBy the time the match started, Lion-and-Sun flags were everywhere, popping up on banners, shirts and signs all across the crowd.Iranian supporters celebrate their team's hard-fought scoreless draw against Belgium during FIFA World Cup 2026 action in Inglewood, California.(Photo by Keith Birmingham/MediaNews Group/Pasadena Star-News via Getty Images) ((Photo by Keith Birmingham/MediaNews Group/Pasadena Star-News via Getty Images))The massive backlash against Iran's ruling regime was impossible to miss before the game even kicked off.When the anthem of the Islamic Republic of Iran played over the loudspeakers, a deafening wave of boos erupted across SoFi Stadium.EX-IRANIAN WOMEN'S SOCCER EMPATHIZES WITH NATIONAL TEAM, BREAKS DOWN SHARING STORY OF FATHER'S DEATHOne supporter held a sign reading, "Where is Rashid Mazaheri?", referencing the former Iran national team goalkeeper whose detention became a rallying cry after he publicly blasted the regime's leadership earlier this year.Tensions boiled over during the match when a fan wearing an Iran shirt was arrested and escorted out by law enforcement.Despite the heavy security presence, large Li...