US, Iran fans mingle in Qatar ahead of World Cup clash

By JON GAMBRELL and ISABEL DEBRE
Associated Press

DOHA, Qatar (AP) — Smiling U.S. and Iranian fans were mingling and posing for photos ahead of a politically charged World Cup match in Qatar. The atmosphere was generally festive though the political divisions among Iran fans are apparent outside Al Thumama Stadium, as they have been during previous Iran games during the tournament as pro-government fans confronted those expressing support for the anti-government protests across Iran. The Iranian players in Qatar have declined to comment or made vague statements about the protests in Iran, which were sparked by the death of a 22-year-old woman while in the custody of Iran’s morality police.