Why Iran protests are taking place as demonstrators chant and set to break World Cup rule

The protests are taking place against the backdrop of the US-Israel war with Iran, which began in February 2026 following US and Israeli strikes on Iran, as well as a deadly crackdown on dissent by the Iranian government in January. Iran are playing their opening match against New Zealand on June 15 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, near Los Angeles. The Los Angeles area is home to the largest concentration of people of Iranian ancestry outside of Iran (often referred to as "Tehrangeles"). Iranian Americans are torn.