Uploaded June 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
The World Cup is underway and Team Melli has finally taken the pitch.
After a dramatic 2-2 draw between Iran and New Zealand in Los Angeles, Iranians around the world find themselves wrestling with familiar questions. Can football be separated from politics? What does Team Melli represent in 2026? And why were Lion and Sun flags seemingly everywhere in the stadium, yet almost nowhere on television?
Joining Jian Ghomeshi are Atbin Arian, Seena Ghaznavi, and Mehrdad Ahmadpour for a conversation about football, identity, patriotism, exile, protest, FIFA, and the conflicting emotions many Iranians are experiencing as the World Cup begins.
But first, Jian opens the show with an essay entitled "The Cameras Looked Away" examining the conspicuous absence of Lion and Sun flags from the World Cup broadcast and what that says about power, narrative, and who gets represented on the world's biggest sporting stage.
Guests:
• Atbin Arian
• Seena Ghaznavi
• Mehrdad Ahmadpour
Opening Essay:
"The Cameras Looked Away"
Support Roqe:
If you appreciate our independent programming, please consider supporting us via the Super Thanks button on YouTube.
Roqe Live 6
Saturday, July 18, 2026
Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts
Featuring Shahram Shabpareh, Tina Parsa, Shally Zomorodi, Captain Christopher Behnam, Darius Azar, Pegah Ganji and Jian Ghomeshi.
Sponsor
This episode of Roqe is brought to you by Avoca Chocolates — handmade artisanal chocolates, truffles, ice cream and gelato made fresh daily in Toronto.
#Iran #TeamMelli #WorldCup2026 #LionAndSun #IranRises #Roqe #JianGhomeshi #FIFA
The World Cup is underway and Team Melli has finally taken the pitch.
After a dramatic 2-2 draw between Iran and New Zealand in Los Angeles, Iranians around the world find themselves wrestling with familiar questions. Can football be separated from politics? What does Team Melli represent in 2026? And why were Lion and Sun flags seemingly everywhere in the stadium, yet almost nowhere on television?
Joining Jian Ghomeshi are Atbin Arian, Seena Ghaznavi, and Mehrdad Ahmadpour for a conversation about football, identity, patriotism, exile, protest, FIFA, and the conflicting emotions many Iranians are experiencing as the World Cup begins.
But first, Jian opens the show with an essay entitled "The Cameras Looked Away" examining the conspicuous absence of Lion and Sun flags from the World Cup broadcast and what that says about power, narrative, and who gets represented on the world's biggest sporting stage.
Guests:
• Atbin Arian
• Seena Ghaznavi
• Mehrdad Ahmadpour
Opening Essay:
"The Cameras Looked Away"
Support Roqe:
If you appreciate our independent programming, please consider supporting us via the Super Thanks button on YouTube.
Roqe Live 6
Saturday, July 18, 2026
Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts
Featuring Shahram Shabpareh, Tina Parsa, Shally Zomorodi, Captain Christopher Behnam, Darius Azar, Pegah Ganji and Jian Ghomeshi.
Sponsor
This episode of Roqe is brought to you by Avoca Chocolates — handmade artisanal chocolates, truffles, ice cream and gelato made fresh daily in Toronto.
#Iran #TeamMelli #WorldCup2026 #LionAndSun #IranRises #Roqe #JianGhomeshi #FIFA
