AP
Many Iranian soccer fans in the U.S. have conflicting emotions about their homeland's beloved national team as the World Cup comes to North America. Some don't plan to cheer for Iran because they say the players didn't speak out against the Islamic republic's leadership after its deadly crackdown on protesters in January. Others say they plan to attend Iran’s games bearing signs of protest. And still others say they’ll set politics aside to enjoy the rare chance to see Iran compete on soccer’s biggest stage in their own backyard. All of this is assuming the team actually takes part, which Iranian officials called into question because of the country’s ongoing war with the United States and Israel.
