The Greater Los Angeles Area office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-LA) today condemned multiple instances of verbal harassment, assault, and physical violence that occurred at the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group Stage match in Los Angeles between Iran and New Zealand on Monday, June 15.
CAIR-LA received multiple reports that the perpetrators of the violence targeted individuals perceived to be of Iranian origin, attendees holding Iranian or Palestinian flags, and women wearing hijab, or religious headscarves.
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 FIFA, SoFi Stadium, and the Host Committee to increase security measures for the upcoming match between Iran and Belgium and prominently communicate clear, zero-tolerance policies against hate-based harassment and violence.
In a statement, CAIR-LA Civil Rights Staff Attorney Sami Ghanem said:
“Fans being targeted by verbal harassment and physical violence simply because they are Iranian, carrying national flags, or wearing the hijab is deplorable. The World Cup is meant to be a celebration of international unity. Attacks on individuals based on their national origin, religion, ethnicity, or political expression are morally reprehensible and not in the spirit of the global sportsmanship these games are meant to promote.
“The perpetrators must be held accountable, and the safety of all fans must be guaranteed. We call on the LA World Cup Host Committee, FIFA, and local law enforcement to ensure that no further hate-based violence occurs during future matches at the stadium.”
To report any bias incidents, contact CAIR-LA’s Civil Rights Department at (714) 776-1177 (ext. 2) or click here to file a report.
CAIR-LA is Southern California’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice and empower American Muslims.
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CONTACT: CAIR-LA Communications Manager Enjy El-Kadi, (714) 851-4851 or eelkadi@cair.com; CAIR-LA Senior Communications Coordinator Madi Hameed, mmorse-hameed@cair.com