CAIR-LA has received multiple reports of hate-based verbal harassment and physical assault at the recent FIFA World Cup 2026 Iran vs. New Zealand and Iran vs. Belgium matches in Los Angeles. According to eyewitnesses, scores of agitators appeared to target individuals perceived to be of Iranian origin, attendees holding Iranian or Palestinian flags, and women wearing hijabs (religious headscarves).
Attendees reported being spat on, kicked, punched, and pushed to the ground, and women had their hijabs ripped off. Several individuals were further harassed online, reportedly having their personal identifying information—including their phone numbers, home addresses, and places of employment—publicly released.
Call for Accountability
Last week, CAIR-LA sent a letter to the LA District Attorney’s Office, the Inglewood Police Department, and the LA World Cup Host Committee, calling on officials to investigate these incidents and take the appropriate security measures to protect World Cup attendees.
CAIR-LA has since been in touch with the Host Committee and LA County regarding the hate-based violence and is continuing to monitor the situation closely.
Know Your Rights
Iran is scheduled to play against Egypt in a World Cup match on Friday, June 26, in Seattle, Washington. Given the recent attacks and heightened tension, it is important to be prepared and stay safe while attending matches.
Community members have the right to:
- Attend the sporting event without being targeted by hate based on their ethnicity, national origin, religion, or perceived political views.
- Display lawful flags, clothing, and cultural symbols permitted by stadium rules.
- Peacefully express support for a team.
- Peacefully decline political conversations or confrontations.
- Record interactions occurring in public spaces, subject to venue rules.
Safety Tips for Attending a Match
- Travel in a group and establish a meeting point in case of separation.
- Share your location with a trusted friend or family member.
- Arrange transportation before arriving.
- Identify all security stations and exits upon arrival at the stadium.
- Ensure your phone is charged and enable emergency contacts.
- Consider leaving early if threats are escalating.
- Contact stadium security and local law enforcement immediately if you are threatened or assaulted.
Online Safety Tips
- Consider setting your social media accounts to private.
- Avoid posting your exact location in real time.
- Do not share others’ personal or identifying information.
- Avoid responding to threats or doxing attempts.
- Screenshot any threats before blocking accounts.
- Immediately report any credible threats to local law enforcement.
If Someone Confronts You at a Match
DO:
- Remain calm.
- Create distance between yourself and the instigator.
- Move toward security personnel.
- Take photos or videos, if safe to do so. Documentation often becomes critical if a criminal report or civil rights complaint is pursued. Reports can also be made directly to FIFA.
- Get the name and contact information of any witnesses, and record the date, time, and location of the incident.
- Document any injuries and seek medical attention, if necessary.
- Report the incident to CAIR.
DO NOT:
- Escalate verbal arguments.
- Respond to insults with threats.
- Follow individuals into isolated areas
- Engage in physical retaliation unless necessary to defend yourself.
- Involve children in confrontations with protesters or counter-protesters.
Considerations for Non-U.S. Citizens
CAIR-LA has also received reports of the perpetrators calling for the deportation of Iranian nationals online.
If you are not a U.S. citizen, it is recommended that you take additional precautions and, if you are involved in any incidents, consult an immigration attorney immediately.
CAIR offers free immigration legal assistance. Contact CAIR-LA’s Immigrants’ Rights Center at (714) 776-1177 (ext. #1) or click here to submit an intake form.
Report an Incident
Community members should report harassment targeting Iranians, Muslims, or individuals perceived as such; or employment, housing, or educational retaliation based on religion and/or national origin.
Report Hate to CAIR-LA:
- Phone: (714) 776-1177 (ext. #2)
- Online: Click here to submit an intake form.
Report Hate to 211 LA:
- Phone: Dial 2-1-1
- Online Intake: Click here to submit a report.
- Email: human.rights@211la.org
Report any instances of physical assault, criminal threats, or other criminal conduct to law enforcement and to CAIR.
