Eurosport - Sardar Azmoun's goals were the main reason why Iran qualified for the 2018 World Cup in Russia. After the tournament, however, the once-celebrated hero was confronted with hostility, and four days after the preliminary round exit, he drew a line in the sand.

AFP – Carlos Queiroz admitted Iran's players are feeling the strain of protests in the Islamic republic after they suffered a heavy 6-2 defeat by England in their World Cup Group B opener on Monday.

Yahoo - The Three Lions got three points in their first Group B match with a dominant 6-2 victory over Iran at Khalifa International Stadium on Monday. 

Reuters - Iran's national soccer team chose not to sing their country's anthem before their opening World Cup match against England on Monday, in an apparent show of support for protesters back home.

Independent - Iran captain Ehsan Hajsafi called for change and sent condolences to bereaved families ahead of a World Cup opener against England that pales into insignificance given the human rights atrocities taking place at home.

Tehran Times - Brazilian referee Raphael Claus will referee the match between Iran and England in Group B of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Iranintl - FIFA president Gianni Infantino has defended the presence of the Iranian national soccer team at the World Cup in Qatar despite calls for dropping the team over the crackdown on protests.

Tehran Times - Sardar Azmoun will be fit for Iran’s opening match with England, slated for Monday in Group B of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Tehran Times - With just one day remaining to the 2022 FIFA World Cup starts, Iran are not scared of facing Group B favorites England.

Theguardian - In a press conference that at times resembled a diplomatic high-wire act, Iran’s captain, Alireza Jahanbakhsh, accused the English media of setting out to destabilise his team by asking questions about the protests raging back home.

Theathletic - Iran’s players will be allowed to protest at the World Cup in Qatar, according to their manager Carlos Queiroz.

Tasnim – Iranian soccer player Alireza Jahanbakhsh said on Thursday that the focus of the national team at the World Cup in Qatar will be on the competition.