Before kick-off against England, Iranian supporters gathered outside the stadium to protest against the Iranian regime.
- We expect people to say something and show anger against our regime.
We don't want them.
We just want freedom, said one woman to SVT.
On the field, the Iranian national team did not sing along when their national anthem was played.
The background to the markings is the situation in the country and the protests going on there.
Protests that began after 22-year-old Mahsa Amini died after being arrested by Iranian morality police for refusing to wear a hijab.
"Let's talk about football"
After the match, when SVT's reporter Johan Kücükaslan was going to interview Iran's Mehdi Taremi, it became clear how sensitive it is to ask questions to the players about the protests in their home country.
How has it affected the team?
- Let's talk about football, please.
How has it affected the team?
- We are here to play football, let's talk about it.
Like I said, it was a tough game for us.
Albin Ekdal, guest expert on SVT during the WC, understands.
- They have in the back of their minds that if we go too far here and do something the regime doesn't like, then we could get into trouble - our friends and family could get into trouble.
It is understandable that they do not dare.
I am convinced that the team agreed not to speak individually.