Iran's participation in the tournament has been beset by controversy against the backdrop of the war, which began in February when the US and Israel launched strikes on Iran.

When Iran takes to the field on Monday for the first game of its World Cup, Sara Barahman will be among the thousands of protesters outside the stadium waving a very specific…

Iran’s players have threatened to halt play if protest flags appear inside.

Protests and tension threatened to turn match into political flashpoint

Iranian Americans are torn over Iran’s participation in this year’s World Cup