Iran-New Zealand 2-2: Tehran's national anthem booed, players applauded at the end of the match

In Los Angeles, against New Zealand, the Iranian national team earned a 2-2 draw that leaves Group G open to every possible scenario, thanks also to the draw between Belgium and Egypt. Before the opening whistle, however, the Tehran selection had to contend with protests from one of the largest communities of Iranian exiles in the world—that of Los Angeles—composed of political opponents of the newborn Islamic Republic who fled at the end of the 1970s. Flags against the ayatollahs filled the section of the stadium dedicated to Iranian fans, and the anthem (sung by the players, unlike the women players who refused to do so during the Asian Cup in March) was booed. The scene was then overtaken by a lively match, in which the brace by New Zealander Just was interspersed with goals from Razaeian and Mohebi. For their performance and commitment, at the end of the match, during the lap of honor, the Iranian players received applause from their own supporters.