Footage has emerged showing the true crowd reaction to Iran's national anthem ahead of their 'Pride Match' against Egypt on Friday night. The 1-1 draw proved to be Team Melli's final match of the 2026 World Cup , as they finished third in Group G with three stalemates, bringing to an end a campaign that was turbulent both on and off the pitch for the Middle Eastern nation.
Despite the circumstances, Iran maintained their dignity throughout the tournament. The squad left notes after matches against Belgium and Egypt to thank their hosts , despite ongoing tensions with the US government. However, the treatment they received was not always as considerate. After each group-stage match, for example, they were required to leave the United States immediately and return to their training base in Mexico.
Almost certainly the most physically exhausted team competing stateside this summer, Iran also faced challenges away from the field. Head coach Amir Ghalenoei recently spoke about feeling shunned by rival managers, amid uncertainty over perceptions of his country during a period of geopolitical tension. Iran's national anthem was booed before each of their first two matches, but ahead of their third game, the crowd produced a very unusual reaction.
Iran summed up their feelings after their final World Cup group game.
The True Crowd Reaction to Iran's National Anthem in Final World Cup Match
Those tuning into Friday night's action will have noticed boos ringing around Seattle's Lumen Field as some supporters held up Pride flags in recognition of the city's LGBTQ celebrations.
Indeed, both developments were to be expected. Iran and Egypt had opposed the designated 'Pride Match' due to the criminalisation of homosexuality in their respective countries, while perceptions of Iran among many American neutrals have been clouded by Donald Trump's accusations against the nation, creating a predictably tense atmosphere.
However, there was another factor that contributed to the reaction inside the stadium - one that even led some Iranians themselves to boo their national anthem. While many Iranians view life before the Islamic Revolution more favourably, US authorities had banned pre-revolutionary Iranian flags from being brought into World Cup stadiums.
Why Even Some Iranians Booed the Anthem
The biggest slap in the face came in Seattle when organisers played the anthem associated with the current Islamic Republic instead. In response, many Iranian supporters turned their backs away from the pitch and protested, with boos echoing around the stadium during the rendition. Watch the reaction below:
According to a survey by Iran International , only about 20 percent of Iranians want the current Islamic Republic to remain in power. Roughly 40 percent of the population views structural regime change as a necessary precondition for reform, while another 24 percent favor a broader, different political transition.
Iranians widely reject the Islamic Republic due to severe economic mismanagement, pervasive political corruption, forced imposition of strict religious laws, and violent crackdowns on human rights and individual freedoms.
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