Iran plays New Zealand during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Tournament in Los Angeles, June 15, 2026. Los Angeles is home to one of the largest Iranian diaspora communities in the world, making the Iran team’s World Cup group-stage match with New Zealand just as much a political event as a sporting event. (Gabriela Bhaskar/The New York Times) By TARIQ PANJA As the ball slipped into the net, Sahand Vafadary leaped from his seat and twirled his Iran flag above his head in celebration. New Zealand had…
