The Latest Breaking News from Soccer

Soccer is not human society itself, with all its thorny issues

Lionel Messi has already come to Argentina’s rescue at the World Cup. He might just have to do it all over again. Another emotionally charged evening awaits Messi and the football-mad south American nation that worships him when Argentina meets Poland on Wednesday for a match with so much on…

Qatar's soccer team was the first World Cup host nation to lose its opening match and followed that with a second loss that knocked it from the tournament before the end of the group stage

The last World Cup clash between the United States and Iran 24 years ago is considered one of the most politically charged matches in soccer history

Here are the AP’s latest coverage plans, top stories and promotable content. All times EST. For up-to-the minute information on AP’s coverage, visit Coverage Plan at https://newsroom.ap.org.

DOHA, Qatar — When Ramin Rezaeian scored his first World Cup goal to seal Iran's victory over Wales last week — just the country's second tournament win in 24 years — it should have been a moment of pure joy.

There was little question, from the moment the United States and Iran were drawn into the same World Cup group, that their Tuesday match would be politically charged.

Tense confrontation came after US Soccer officials removed Islamic Republic emblem from the Iranian flag

The U.S. knows it’s into the knockout stage with a win, but its prep has been derailed by a social media controversy and press conference that veered into the surreal.

US Soccer social media post that depicted a modified Iranian flag triggered a furore ahead of a critical Group B match.

The two teams will face off on the pitch Tuesday after days of contention off the field.