“This Is Not the MLS Cup!” – Iranian Journalist and US Men’s Soccer Team Get Into a War of Words Ahead of Their Deciding Match Against Iran at the FIFA World Cup 2022

This FIFA World Cup keeps on giving controversies and news to the world. From voting controversies to human rights to whatnot. This tournament had been a hot plot of political and social issues. FIFA World Cup 2022 is going on in Qatar and so far it is less smooth than FIFA intended. It is a far cry from every other tournament by FIFA. USMNT had recently made news regarding their new social media post ahead of USA vs Iran.

USMNT recently had a press conference because of the storm caused by the posts in international media. Tim Ream and Walker Zimmerman from the USMNT team answered questions from journalists and Iranian Journalists accused the press officer of ignoring them.

USMNT press conference before FIFA WC fixture against Iran

Iranian journalist Shervin Taheri at the end of his question said, “I just want to point it out that the media officer of US national soccer team should respect international media. This is the World Cup. This is not the MLS Cup. Thank you very much.”

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However, the press conference was cut short after tensions rise due to the heated exchange.

USMNT Director of communications Michael Kammarman explained the reason for the absence of an Islamic symbol from the national flag of Iran on the team’s website and social media posts.

“The intent of the post was to show support for women’s rights. It was meant to be a moment. We made the post at the time. All the other representations of the flag remain consistent and will continue to,” he said.

The aftermath of altering the Iran flag

Iran media is calling for action against USMNT ahead of their match in the tournament. One Iranian news media agency took to Twitter, posting a rule of FIFA stating, “According to section 13 of #FIFA rules, any person who offends the dignity or integrity of a country, a person or group of people … shall be sanctioned with a suspension …”

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The USA is ready to face Iran tomorrow in their last group-stage match. This match is important for both teams as winning this match can grant a spot in the Round of 16. Iran can just play for a draw and still go ahead, but the USA needs a win.