
<p>US Soccer got itself into political firestorm this weekend when it was revealed that the <a href="https:\/\/twitter.com/usmnt" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">USMNT Twitter account</a> had posted images earlier this weekend of the Iran flag with the Islamic Republic symbol removed. <a href="https:\/\/www.npr.org/2022/11/27/1139304827/usa-change-iran-flag-to-remove-islamic-republic-emblem-before-world-cup-clash" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">A US Soccer spokesman said</a> it was a move to “show support for the women in Iran fighting for basic human rights.”</p>



<p>However, several media outlets pointed this out publicly, which caused considerable ire from the Iranian officials. Just a few hours later, the US Soccer social media account removed all of the images displaying the contentious flag. Following that, <a href="https:\/\/twitter.com/worldsoccertalk/status/1596891135582310406" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">US Soccer then posted a new tweet</a> that included the official Iranian flag.</p>



<p>“We wanted to show our support for the women in Iran with our graphic for 24 hours,” the <a href="https:\/\/www.espn.com/soccer/united-states-usa/story/4815660/us-soccer-scrub-emblem-from-iran-flag-to-support-protests" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">federation told ESPN</a>.</p>



<h2>US Soccer plays with fire</h2>



<p>The controversy stems from the usage of an older version of the Iranian flag bearing the green, white and red colors. The emblem of the Islamic Republic <a href="https:\/\/www.theguardian.com/football/2022/nov/27/usa-show-iran-flag-without-emblem-of-islamic-republic-before-world-cup-clash" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">was missing</a> in what comes as a statement of support for protestors against the current government regime.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Here&apos;s your screenshot.<br><br>⚡ Want to automatically post your tweets on Instagram? Visit <a href="https:\/\/t.co/6fIpjtsiEr">https:\/\/t.co/6fIpjtsiEr</a>. <a href="https:\/\/t.co/W3MhY8Iamo">pic.twitter.com/W3MhY8Iamo</a></p>— Pikaso (@pikaso_me) <a href="https:\/\/twitter.com/pikaso_me/status/1596794013482250240?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 27, 2022</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https:\/\/platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



<p>All of this controversy comes ahead of Tuesday’s World Cup game between the <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/world-cup-tv-schedule/">United States and Iran</a>. If US wins, they move on to the next round. Iran only needs a tie to advance if Wales fail to beat England.</p>



<p>Iran has been in the spotlight following months of protests after 22-year-old Mahsa Amini <a href="https:\/\/www.wsj.com/story/who-is-mahsa-amini-and-why-did-her-death-spark-protests-in-iran-d4236eb3" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">died in police detention</a>. Mahsa was arrested for allegedly not adhering to the country’s strict dress code for women. </p>



<p>Following her death, more than 400 protestors have died and over 18,000 arrested, as the government has tried to crack down on the movement. Several nations have voiced their support for the protestors’ cause and have called upon to change the current regime in the country.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Daily Statistics on Iran Protests<a href="https:\/\/twitter.com/hashtag/MahsaAmini?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MahsaAmini</a> <a href="https:\/\/twitter.com/hashtag/Iran?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Iran</a> <a href="https:\/\/twitter.com/hashtag/IranProtests2022?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IranProtests2022</a> <a href="https:\/\/t.co/fT28a7bRiA">pic.twitter.com/fT28a7bRiA</a></p>— HRANA English (@HRANA_English) <a href="https:\/\/twitter.com/HRANA_English/status/1596640801349840897?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 26, 2022</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https:\/\/platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<h2>Iran’s World Cup matches thus far</h2>



<p>Amidst the adversity and chaos back home, Iran started the World Cup in disastrous fashion losing 6-2 against England in their opening game. The Asian side however beat Wales on Friday with two late goals to keep their World Cup hopes alive. They currently sit second in Group B and take on the US Men’s National Team on Tuesday, a match that will transcend beyond the pitch. </p>



<p>A draw for Iran could see them guarantee a place in the Round of 16 should Wales fail to beat England while the US must win to have any hopes of qualification. The countries have been diplomatic rivals for more than 40 years and there is no doubt that either of the two sides will aim to edge past each other in this high stake, winner takes all clash. </p>


<div style="background:#f9e4ea;padding:10px;">
<h3>Guide to World Cup 2022</h3>
<div style="padding:10px;">
Here are some resources to help you get the most out of the biggest event in soccer!
</div>
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<a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/world-cup-tv-schedule/"><strong>TV Schedule:</strong></a> All the info on <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/world-cup-tv-schedule/">where and when to watch</a> every game
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<a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/2022/04/04/analysis-of-world-cup-groups/"><strong>The Groups:</strong></a> We <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/2022/04/04/analysis-of-world-cup-groups/">breakdown each group</a> and all the teams
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<a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/world-cup-jerseys-for-qatar-2022/"><strong>The Kits:</strong></a> Check out <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/world-cup-jerseys-for-qatar-2022/">what every team will be wearing</a> on the field this fall
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<a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/predictor/"><strong>Predictor:</strong></a> Play out every scenario with our <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/predictor/">World Cup Predictor</a>
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<a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/2022/04/05/world-cup-bracket-free-download/"><strong>World Cup Bracket:</strong></a> Map out the <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/2022/04/05/world-cup-bracket-free-download/">entire tournament</a>, from the groups to the final
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<a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/category/world-cup-2022/"><strong>World Cup Hub:</strong></a> Your one stop for <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/category/world-cup-2022/">everything Qatar 2022</a>
</div>
</div>


The graphics at the center of the US Soccer Iran images controversy have created a firestorm ahead of the US-Iran World Cup game.

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US Soccer removes images that supported Iran protests