ByGADI ZAIG

JUNE 20, 2026 14:33

Visiting the FIFA World Cup had never been on my radar despite my strong interest in soccer.

Yet when the tournament was set to return to the United States along with Mexico and Canada after more than three decades I saw a chance I could not ignore.

Attending solo seemed unappealing so I invited the most passionate soccer supporter I knew my father. Raised in Haifa and nearing seventy he was thrilled at the prospect of witnessing a World Cup match and later called it the finest sporting occasion he had ever seen.

We secured tickets promptly for the opening fixture between the United States and Paraguay on June 12. The occasion held extra meaning for me as it featured my former home nation serving as co host.

Paraguay stands out among Latin American nations for its close ties to Israel having relocated its embassy to Jerusalem and labeling Hamas Hezbollah and the IRGC as terrorist groups.

The American squad also features the sole Jewish player in the competition goalkeeper Matt Turner who started in goal during the prior event in Qatar. Fans may recognize other key figures such as Christian Pulisic Weston McKennie and Sergino Dest.

The tournament coincides with my student exchange in Argentina the defending champions so I traveled from Buenos Aires to Los Angeles to join my father who arrived from Tel Aviv for the USMNT home opener after more than thirty years.

The contest proved spectacular with the United States prevailing 4-1 amid sustained chants of USA USA that filled the venue for two hours.

World Cup Faces Scrutiny

The event has drawn criticism over high costs for travel and lodging empty seats in some venues and the denial of entry to Somali referee Omar Artan along with other officials and reporters who encountered visa issues.

Among concerns tied to Israel and the region Iran participation stands prominent. The squad is scheduled to face New Zealand on Monday just days after the American match in the identical stadium.

Yet the most striking scene unfolded after the game. Leaving SoFi Stadium I encountered Iranian demonstrators waving lion and sun flags alongside Israeli and American banners plus images of Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi. Spotting these symbols I knew I had to speak with them.

One protester noted that FIFA permitted the Islamic Republic flag yet barred their national emblem. They have taken over our identity and seek to erase what it means to be Iranian.

The group called for Iran removal from the tournament stating the squad does not represent the people. Players sent here back a terrorist regime and only those aligned with the authorities are chosen representing a small fraction who support the leadership.

Addressing Israelis directly one demonstrator expressed solidarity noting they understood the hardships since October 7.

Iran has warned it may withdraw if unauthorized flags appear or chants target the national team at venues according to regime sports minister Ahmad Donyamali.

Questions over Tehran participation have persisted since its conflict with the United States and Israel earlier this year.

The writer is a producer for The Jerusalem Post and editor for the newspaper podcasts.

Jacob Gurvis/JTA and Reuters contributed to this report.