Iran's World Cup Opener Against New Zealand Draws Early-Morning Fans at Tehran Cafes

2026 World Cup Key News

Central News Agency, Tehran, 16th - According to international wire reports, a small number of cafes in Tehran, the capital of Iran, opened early to broadcast the World Cup, drawing local football fans who gathered before dawn to support their national team in its opening match held in the United States. When the national anthem played, the cafes fell into solemn silence; when Iran scored, cheers erupted.

AFP reported that at 4:30 a.m., while most residents of Tehran were still asleep, the match between Iran and New Zealand was underway at a stadium in Los Angeles, USA. A few operating cafes in Tehran broadcast the game, their atmosphere charged with excitement.

Despite the pre-dawn hour, the cafes were packed with fans watching the match while enjoying meals laid out with tomatoes, cheese, and omelets.

The United States, one of the three host nations of this World Cup, saw around 40 fans gather to discuss Iran's chances of advancing amid the shadow of the U.S.-Iran conflict.

Among the early-rising fans were many women, some with dyed or bleached hair, and a few not wearing headscarves.

Iran's opening match coincided with the day after the U.S. and Iran announced a memorandum of understanding to end the Middle East conflict. Iran's three group stage matches are all held on U.S. soil, but the U.S. government refused visas for 15 coaching staff members, preventing them from traveling with the team.

Fans who had been discussing the war turned their attention back to the match upon hearing the impassioned commentary from Iran's state television broadcaster.

The commentator shouted: "God, our flag is right in the center of Los Angeles!" A large green, white, and red flag, bearing the emblem of the Islamic Republic in the center, was unfurled in the stadium before kickoff.

Inside the stadium, hundreds of people opposed to Iran's Islamic Republic regime also gathered, some waving the pre-1979 Iranian flag featuring a lion and sun. Iranian authorities had threatened to halt the match if such flags entered the stadium.

Although New Zealand took the lead twice, Iran managed to equalize, finishing the match in a 2-2 draw. This sparked jubilant cheers in Tehran's cafes, where fans embraced each other and waved flags in celebration. (Translator: Kao Chao-fen / Reviewer: Liu Shu-chin) 1150616

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