Protesters in the United States call on FIFA to remove Iran from the World Cup, arguing that the Iranian government’s involvement makes the tournament a platform for sportswashing. Speakers and campaigners say many Iranian-Americans feel shame rather than pride at the team’s participation and want FIFA to take action against Iran’s entry.
The protest message centers on concerns that the Iranian state is linked to serious human-rights abuses and that the World Cup could be used to improve the country’s international image. Sources also indicate that protesters frame their demands as a response to what they describe as government activity in areas that fall outside sport, rather than as criticism of players’ on-field performance.
Overall, the reports describe demonstrations aimed at pressuring FIFA to reconsider Iran’s eligibility, while emphasizing the protesters’ claim that the Iranian regime’s role is connected to the team’s appearance in the tournament. The sources do not report any FIFA decision or official response within the articles provided.