In Beirut's southern suburbs, a center of Hezbollah support, young men draped in Iranian flags gathered in a cafe hung with a “Death to America” flag to watch the match. “We are against America in football, politics and everything else," Ali Nehme said. "God is with Lebanon and Iran.”
A draw or a loss Tuesday night would eliminate the Americans, who tied Wales 1-1 and England 0-0. England leads Group B with four points, followed by Iran with three, the US with two and Wales with one.
Wearing a T-shirt that said "SAVE UKRAINE" on the front and "RESPECT FOR IRANIAN WOMAN" on the back, the protester is ushered away immediately.
The USSF said in a statement Sunday morning it decided to forego Iran's official flag on social media accounts to show “support for the women in Iran fighting for basic human rights.”
Many Israeli fans marvel over the intriguing novelty of being in a country that has no diplomatic relations with Israel. Security-minded citizens remark how safe they feel. Despite this, Israelis have been accosted.
Brutal regimes have often seen the tournament as a means to gain international legitimacy and recognition.
The "Palestine in the World Cup" campaign has been launched • It will include giving out Palestinian shirts and flags in stadiums, the deployment of "Palestinian ambassadors" in the stands.
The Qataris have succeeded on at least one score – many regional leaders came specially to take part and get a closer look at the event.
Our correspondent went to see how Iranians who oppose their regime, still root for their homeland.
Facing potential sanctions, World Cup armband protest comes to an abrupt end in Qatar.