As the world’s top footballers turned their attention to one of the most contentious tournaments in history, the weeklong countdown to the World Cup in Qatar started on Monday.
Domestic leagues took a break after the final weekend of play to prepare for the world championship, but teams have little time to prepare.
On Sunday, the host nation will take on Ecuador in the opening match of the first World Cup to be held in the Arab world.
The World Cup has been moved from its usual spot in the northern hemisphere summer to avoid the blazing heat of the Gulf, necessitating an extraordinary reorganization of the international calendar.
Iran named Sardar Azmoun, their top player who has voiced sympathy for the demonstrations in his native country, in their roster as countries hurried to submit their final squad names.
Azmoun, a player for the German team Bayer Leverkusen, has shared several social media messages in support of the demonstrations brought on by the passing of Mahsa Amini, 22, in those protests.
The protests, which the authorities have referred to as “riots,” have resulted in the deaths of dozens of people, most of whom were protesters but also included security personnel.
Amini’s name should be chanted by spectators at Iran’s games in Qatar, according to activists.
On Monday, hundreds of Tunisian supporters gave their national team a boisterous welcome in Doha while being closely observed by riot police.
The Tunisians waiting outside the team hotel in the financial district of the Qatari capital were observed by four buses of police officers wearing riot gear.
As the team arrived and the players waved, the crowds surged onto the road while chanting the national anthem and beating drums.
The teams arriving on Tuesday include two of Europe’s top teams, England and the Netherlands.
