Why Celebrations Sparked On Iran's Streets After Losing World Cup Match?

As Iran continues to disown the football team that they view as an extension of the oppressive regime, images of celebration on Iranian streets have been widely shared on social media. Iran is currently experiencing a wave of protests.

The Iranian national football team's loss to the United States at the FIFA World Cup on Wednesday resulted in strange celebrations in their home nation, which stand in stark contrast to the response anticipated following any national football team's loss.

Iran Celebrates World Cup Loss

After seeing the films of burning tyres and angry mobs that have recently come out of the country, Iranians can be seen in videos posted on Twitter dancing on the streets in a rare expression of happiness. However, the dancing and joyous honking were also a demonstration of disapproval as they opposed the football team's World Cup participation during such a turbulent period.

Since September, more than 300 people, including children, have died in protests against Mahsa Amini's killing. On September 16, Mahsa Amini was killed while she was in detention by Iran's morality police for the crime of not donning her headscarf properly.

Fireworks were used in Saqez, the hometown of Mahsa Amini, as well as several other Iranian cities. After America's opening goal against Iran's football team, Saqez residents began to cheer and light fireworks reported the London-based Iran Wire website on Twitter. Reports suggest that the citizen consider the national football team as a part of the regime so it's loss marks as a celebration.

Journalist Joyce Karam tweeted saying, "Surreal: Fireworks reportedly from Saqqez #Iran tonight celebrating US win over Iranian team at World Cup. Saqqez is #MahsaAmini’s hometown, the woman whose death has sparked mass protests against regime."

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"Celebration in the Kurdish-Iranian city of #Kamyaran as the regime's national team has lost to the US in the #WorldCup," said Masih Alinejad in a tweet. She continued saying, "Tonight, all over Iran, people are celebrating. Our #IranRevolution is stronger. Iranians want this regime out."

Since then, protests have erupted across the country, protesting against any control of the government over the people.

Before their opening game against England on November 22, the Iranian football team chose not to sing the national anthem in their own take on a protest. Although some people viewed the uprising as daring, many Iranians continue to believe the football team represents the government and not the people of the country.