Iranian soccer fans hold up signs reading Woman Life Freedom and Freedom For Iran, prior to the World Cup group B soccer match between England and Iran at the Khalifa International Stadium in in Doha, Qatar, Monday, Nov. 21, 2022. – To 27-year-old Mariam, the World Cup match ticket was a precious gift. A sports fanatic, she traveled to the World Cup in Qatar from Tehran to catch Iran's opening game Monday against England, her first live soccer match.
In an effort to restrict large gatherings, Iran has closed all soccer matches to the public since the protests erupted. The reason for authorities’ fear became apparent as fans filtered into the Khalifa International Stadium in Doha on Monday. Many Iran fans wore T-shirts or waving signs printed with the mantra of the uprising — “Woman, Life, Freedom.” Others wore T-shirts bearing the names of female protesters killed by Iranian security forces in recent weeks.
The question of whether to root for the national team has divided Iranians as the team becomes entangled in the country's combustible politics. Many now view support for the Iranian team as a betrayal of the young women and men who have risked their lives in the streets. “A few months ago I would have said of course I want Iran to win against England and America,” she said. “Now, it's strange. I really don't care.”
The Iranian government, for its part, has tried to encourage citizens to support their team against Iran's traditional enemies. Iran plays the United States on Nov. 29 — a contentious showdown that last occurred at the 1998 World Cup in France.