Here’s a look back at times when international conflicts seeped into soccer’s biggest tournament.

© Gabriela Bhaskar/The New York Times

At its first game in Los Angeles, the men’s national team drew spectators who weren’t coming for the soccer, but rather to protest the regime in Tehran.

© Gabriela Bhaskar/The New York Times

At its first game in Los Angeles, the men’s national team drew spectators who weren’t coming for the soccer, but rather to protest the regime in Tehran.

© Gabriela Bhaskar/The New York Times