A nation divided over Team Melli as Iran faces Belgium

AI Summary

In Tehran, a large crowd gathered to watch Iran's World Cup match against Belgium amid deep domestic divisions about Team Melli. Fans of diverse backgrounds convened at the Tehran Book Garden, watching the game broadcast from the United States.

Hundreds of football fans gathered beneath the towering bookshelves of Tehran Book Garden on Sunday night to watch Iran take on Belgium in the World Cup. Unlike many national teams whose supporters rally unquestioningly behind them however, Team Melli arrived at kickoff carrying the weight of deep divisions at home. Inside the sprawling cultural complex, families, students, pensioners and young couples filled rows of seats facing giant screens broadcasting the match from the United States.