USMNT Proves Their Class With Embrace Of Iranian National Team

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The crucial, win-or-go-home World Cup group stage match between the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran was an intensely politicized event for obvious reasons. If you want to dive into the political history of the two nations, do a little research, because that, specifically, isn’t why we’re here today. We’re going to “stick to sports” as much as we can (frankly, because it’s what I’m qualified to speak about, as opposed to the political machinations that have stoked the flames of tension between the two nations).

Prior to Tuesday’s match, a clickbait Iranian journalist tried to morally dunk on USMNT captain Tyler Adams only to get subsequently and intelligently stuffed into a metaphorical locker by the 23-year-old American captain.

Today, in a press conference ahead of USMNT vs. Iran, an Iranian reporter questioned Tyler Adams' support of the Iranian people, and then asked the team's captain if he’s comfortable representing the U.S., given the way the country has treated Black people. 🗣️🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/xjr0fGTWCi

— Men in Blazers (@MenInBlazers) November 28, 2022

As if that instance of utter poise and class from Adams wasn’t enough to prove just how much this crop of USMNT players “get it”, then the postgame display from the majority of the squad surely will.

Following the final whistle, left-back Antonee Robinson could be seen sharing an emotional embrace with Iran’s Ramin Rezaeian. Players like Deandre Yedlin and Josh Sargent were seen doing the same.

❤️⚽️@USMNT's @Antonee_Jedi shares an emotional moment with Iran's Ramin Rezaeian after yesterday's match pic.twitter.com/asZPnCOrQk

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) November 30, 2022

Winger Tim Weah also went above and beyond with his sportsmanship, as he took to Instagram to shout out the Iranian National Team:

“Always been more than just football to me and I would just like to send my love to this wonderful team [Iran]. [They] displayed so much pride and love for their country and for their people. Huge respect. It was an honor to share the pitch with such greatness. Such an inspiration!”

Even still, his postgame comments to Fox Sports were arguably more heartfelt:

“I think it’s more than just football. I think the United States and Iran have had so many issues politically and I just wanted to show that we are all human beings and we all love each other. I just wanted to spread peace and love and show him we come from different backgrounds, we grew up differently. He is still my family, he is still my brother and I love him the same way as the guys I grew up with.”

Following their gutsy 1-0 win over Iran, the United States Men’s National Team will take on the Netherlands on Saturday in the Round of 16.