Hijab-wearing women attacked at World Cup matches in Los Angeles
Women were spat on, kicked, and had headscarves ripped off during matches at SoFi Stadium as CAIR-LA demands investigation
LOS ANGELES, United States (MNTV) – Multiple hijab-wearing women were physically assaulted during Iran’s World Cup matches at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, according to witness accounts and documentation collected by the Los Angeles chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-LA).
The attacks occurred during and after Iran’s matches against New Zealand and Belgium. Women wearing hijabs were spat on, kicked, punched, and verbally abused. In several cases, headscarves were forcibly ripped off. Individuals carrying Iranian and Palestinian flags were also targeted.
CAIR-LA reported that the harassment extended beyond the stadium.
Victims faced online doxxing campaigns in which their home addresses, phone numbers, and workplaces were exposed.
The organization has called on the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office, the Inglewood Police Department, and World Cup organizers to investigate the attacks, hold perpetrators accountable, and strengthen security for spectators at remaining matches.
One widely circulated video captured a confrontation after Iran’s 16 June match against New Zealand. An Iranian-American activist aligned with monarchist political views approached a woman wearing a hijab and carrying an Iranian flag, called her a terrorist, and filmed her while hurling insults.
The activist later defended her conduct on social media, claiming the woman supported the Iranian government. She also published what she described as the woman’s professional profile and encouraged efforts to have authorities review her immigration status — an act of targeted intimidation.
The violence reflects political fractures within parts of the Iranian diaspora in Los Angeles, particularly between opponents of the Iranian government — some aligned with monarchist movements — and other members of the community.
These tensions have played out at World Cup events, where some activists have protested Iran’s participation, staged demonstrations, booed the national team, and displayed the Sun and Lion flag, which FIFA has restricted due to its political symbolism.
But the political context does not excuse physical assault. Whatever divisions exist within the Iranian diaspora, attacks on women for wearing hijab are acts of Islamophobic violence — and treating them as inevitable byproducts of political disagreement normalizes targeting Muslims for their religious practice.
CAIR-LA has urged officials and event organizers to ensure spectator safety and prevent further harassment during the remaining World Cup matches.
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