In a thrilling 2-2 draw at a Los Angeles stadium, Iran's national football team (Team Melli) faced New Zealand, with Iranian fans displaying two opposing flags: the Islamic Republic banner and the pre-1979 lion-and-sun flag used by the opposition. Despite political divisions, cheers of 'Iran, Iran' echoed through the stands.

Outside the venue, a small protest group waved Israeli flags and chanted in support of opposition figure Reza Pahlavi, urging US President Donald Trump to 'finish the job' against Iran. Protesters also shouted slogans against Hamas and Hezbollah, with one banner labeling Team Melli as the 'IRGC Team' with red crosses over players' faces.

Protester Kourosh Kiumarsi told Al Jazeera the squad is the 'regime team,' adding that 'Israel and the USA attacked the regime and helped the people of Iran.' However, inside the stadium, the atmosphere was celebratory, with fans in lion-and-sun shirts and 'Make Iran Great Again' hats.

Political expressions were unavoidable: many fans jeered the Iranian national anthem, and shirts reading 'MINAB 168' appeared, referencing 168 children killed in a school bombing during the US-Israel war. Fan Arash emphasized it was a non-political statement: 'Schools are sanctuaries.'

FIFA bans political symbols, but thousands entered with opposition flags. FIFA did not comment. The match itself saw Iran come from behind twice and hit the woodwork, providing joy to a nation that has endured war and hardship.

Source: www.aljazeera.com