Don't Ask Any of This of the American Players': Trevor Noah Questions Iranian Players' Treatment at World Cup

Iran’s World Cup campaign ended in disappointment as the team missed the Round of 32 on goal difference, despite remaining unbeaten through the group stage. With matches against Belgium, New Zealand, and Egypt producing draws, Iran finished with 3 points and a goal difference of 0, then faced heartbreak after the Austria–Algeria match ended level. Off the pitch, the team’s preparations were complicated while training in Tijuana, where they had to cross the border for games throughout the tournament. Captain Mehdi Taremi called it “a disastrous World Cup,” saying FIFA “did nothing,” while coach Amir Ghalenoei said Iran was “treated very, very badly.” Comedian Trevor Noah, on his live stream, criticized how media questions focused on political angles for players from Iran and other regions rather than football, arguing players should not answer for governments’ actions.