Iran's World Cup opener draws diaspora protest and support (opens in new tab)

Iran twice came from behind to draw 2-2 with New Zealand at Los Angeles Stadium on Monday in its 2026 World Cup Group G opener, a match accompanied by protests, security concerns and a tentative agreement to end the U.S.-Iran war. The team played in the United States less than 24 hours after Washington and Tehran announced a deal aimed at ending months of conflict; its participation had earlier been in doubt after delayed or refused U.S. visas and a late move of its training base from the Uni...