In Los Angeles, members of the city’s large Iranian diaspora gathered Monday evening to watch Iran’s national soccer team face New Zealand in a 2026 World Cup qualifying match, amid a backdrop of political tensions and war in their home country.

At Meymuni Cafe, located in the West Los Angeles corridor known for its connections to the Iranian community, supporters and critics alike came together to follow the game on a new large flat-screen television. About 35 minutes into the match, cheers erupted when Iran scored its first goal, prompting emotional reactions from some attendees. Parvin, a 76-year-old fan who chose not to share her last name, was visibly moved, wiping tears as she watched intently. She wore a faded white T-shirt she had proudly worn more than five decades ago at the 1974 Asian Games in Tehran, one of the last major international sporting events hosted by Iran prior to recent decades of conflict.

Despite shared support for the team, the crowd was divided on what the players symbolized in the current political climate. Parvin’s sister, for example, openly supported New Zealand, expressing skepticism due to what she described as the players’ association with the Iranian government. This division reflected broader tensions within the diaspora, where some individuals fear their support for the team could be mistaken for endorsement of Iran’s ruling authorities, while others view the team’s participation and achievements as a testament to the resilience and spirit of the Iranian people.

The atmosphere at the cafe was charged and complex. Some attendees displayed the old Iranian flag, a banner often associated with monarchist groups, underscoring the varied political sentiments present. Enthusiastic applause followed goals by both teams, highlighting the mixture of allegiances and emotions among spectators.

Among those attending was 24-year-old Laila Emamjoneh, who is of mixed Iranian and Mexican heritage. She said she came to the viewing event to connect with her community despite the prevailing political divisions. The cafe’s owner, Shaheen Ferdowsi, chose to keep the establishment open despite a wave of closures by other Iranian-owned businesses in protest of the situation in Iran.

Meanwhile, many supporters gathered in person at SoFi Stadium, bidding the players well amid challenges that complicated the team’s preparations. Reports pointed to logistical hurdles such as relocating the team’s base camp, visa delays, and warnings from political figures regarding safety concerns. Parvin expressed regret that these issues had taken an emotional toll on the players, suggesting they entered the match under significant stress.

Ferdowsi observed that despite the internal differences, the majority of attendees inside the stadium appeared joyful and supportive, emphasizing a sense of collective pride even amid political discord. The event underscored the complex relationship between sport, identity, and politics for Iranians both at home and abroad.