The U.S. has to beat Iran to advance, while Iran only has to tie. The match comes after controversy over flags, Iran's national anthem, and ongoing protests in Iran.
China cracks down on protesters. The Supreme Court will hear arguments over how to enforce immigration laws. And, team USA and Iran battle before their World Cup match.
Iranians are watching their soccer team at the World Cup in nearby Qatar with mixed feelings about how to show support amid massive freedom protests at home.
Voria Ghafouri, a prominent player who wasn't chosen to go to the World Cup, is an outspoken critic of Iran's authorities. Reports of his arrest came ahead of Friday's Iran-Wales World Cup match.
NPR's Mary Louise Kelly talks with MSNBC Host Ayman Mohyeldin about what he calls double standards and western prejudice in coverage of Qatar hosting the World Cup.
The players covered their mouths for their team photo in an apparent rebuke of FIFA's clampdown on plans to wear armbands to protest discrimination in host nation Qatar.
Tensions between Israelis and Palestinians have been surging for months, amid nightly raids in the West Bank prompted by a spate of attacks against Israelis that killed 19 people in the spring.
The soccer tournament is being played in the Middle East for the first time. Qatar's role in the region, aspirations and human rights record are in the spotlight as it hosts the World Cup.