[94544] Protests around Iran's World Cup matches and infrastructure works at Azadi Stadium

2026 World Cup: Opposition protests in the shadow of Iran's national team matches

During Iran's national team match against Belgium in the 2026 World Cup, Iranian exiles across the U.S. and Canada held protests against the regime in Tehran. According to reports by the Iran International network, which is affiliated with the Iranian opposition in exile, spectators at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles held up protest signs regarding the "massacre of Iranians during the national revolution." Simultaneously, demonstrators gathered in Washington and Vancouver to protest against the Islamic Republic.

Despite the ban imposed by FIFA on bringing "Shir-o-Khorshid" (Lion and Sun) flags into the stadiums, Iran International reported that fans managed to smuggle the flags into the stadium. This activity followed a statement from the communications office of Prince Reza Pahlavi, who called on Iranians to demonstrate within the stadium grounds against the anthem of the Islamic Republic and to express "peaceful protest."

Updates from renovation works at Azadi Stadium

Concurrent with the World Cup events, renovation works continue at Azadi Stadium in Tehran. According to reports from the state news agency IRNA, which is affiliated with the official government line, the installation of seats in the stadium is in its final stages.

In a conversation with "Akharin Khabar" (The Latest News), Marji Sabet-Qadam, head of the Company for the Development and Equipment of Sports Infrastructure, confirmed that the project is approaching 80% completion. He noted that the turf is being replaced and that there is a future possibility of framing the stadium if budgetary needs arise, in accordance with AFC (Asian Football Confederation) standards.