Carlos Queiroz. Sports Press Photo

Iran soccer players refuse to sing national anthem at World Cup

By Chelena Goldman | Last updated 11/21/22

The Iran men's national team made a big statement at the 2022 FIFA World Cup as players remained silent while their national anthem played before Monday's group stage match against England.

Iran’s national team did not to sing national anthem as the #EnglandVsIran game kicks off #FIFAWorldCup, in support of the country’s women-led revolution. The Iranian crowd were also booing their own national anthem. Amazing! ✊ pic.twitter.com/qBwZqYHbqF
— Shabnam Nasimi (@NasimiShabnam) November 21, 2022

The team's silence was in protest of Iran's government. The country has been in exceptional turmoil in response to the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini, who died while in police custody after reportedly violating Iran's dress code for women.

According to the New York Post, fans at Khalifa International Stadium in Doha could be heard booing while Iran's anthem played.

No Iran player has sung the anthem.

We may be playing in a World Cup but one thing is clear. pic.twitter.com/oDlo5ZGovu
— Arya (@Twenty9United) November 21, 2022