Hundreds of Iranians were seen outside the Khalifa International Stadium during the World Cup in Qatar protesting against the authoritarian government back in their home country on November 21. Many were holding placards and shouting slogans against their Government. On the soccer pitch, ahead of their 6-2 loss to England, the Iranian football players refused to sing their national anthem before their opening match in apparent solidarity with protesters back home. As Iran's national anthem played at Khalifa International Stadium, television cameras showed the starting players standing stoically, but not singing. Iran has headed into the tournament amid a backdrop of mass protests against the regime, following the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini in police custody in September.