Every act of protest we’ve seen from players, media at the 2022 World Cup

The World Cup is surrounded by passion, but this edition hosted is also one highlighted by controversy. Here’s how players, fans and the media have protested the host nation. 

The World Cup hosted by Qatar has featured some exciting matches and great plays on the field, but there’s plenty happening off of it.

FIFA’s awarding of the 2022 edition of the World Cup to Qatar has been controversial for over a decade given the Middle Eastern country’s human rights record regarding the treatment of migrant workers and the LGBTQ community.

Here are the protests seen in and around the stadiums at the World Cup

Noted soccer writer Grant Wahl was not allowed to enter the USMNT’s game against Wales on Nov. 21 because he was donning a shirt featuring a soccer ball surrounded by a rainbow. Wahl was briefly detained and questioned before he was let go.

Germany, before taking the field against Japan on Nov. 23, protested FIFA’s decision not to allow national teams to wear rainbow armbands during games. The players covered their mouths during the team photo to counter the decision.

That didn’t stop others from sporting rainbow colors, even in subtle ways.

It also included members of the media.

Iran, meanwhile, refused to sing their national anthem on Nov. 21 before taking on England in solidarity with the protests in their own country.

For months, Iranians have taken to the streets in demonstrations sparked by the death of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old woman who died in the custody of the country’s morality police. She had been detained for not properly wearing her hijab, a traditional Muslim head scarf worn by women.