Tensions are escalating across California ahead of Iran’s World Cup opener at SoFi Stadium , with protests outside stadiums, a legal fight over flags and heightened security. At the center of controversy is a plan by some in the Iranian-American community to bring the historic Lion and Sun banner into the game. It comes as a small protest took place in Los Angeles ahead of the match, while the Iranian soccer players were quietly flown into the city a day earlier than expected. Supporters say