The head coach of the U.S. men's soccer team distanced himself and his players from the social media posts protesting the Iranian government.
The American manager gave a press conference in the Middle East.
The American manager of the U.S. soccer team said Monday that players and coaches didn't know what was being posted.
Berhalter apologized on behalf of the players and the staff, as Iran faces weeks of protests that began after a woman was accused of violating the country's strict dress code.
Iran called for the U.S. team to be disqualified from the World Cup over the social media incident.
The US and Iran play on Tuesday. Both teams would advance to the round of 16 with a win or a loss, depending on the outcome of Tuesday's Wales-England game.
The latest dispute between the U.S. and Iran isn't the only political controversy clouding what happens on the pitch this World Cup, with Russia's men's soccer team barred from the tournament in March after Russia invaded Ukraine. Billions of dollars in construction for the tournament have been linked to thousands of deaths of migrant workers. The ex-chief of football's governing body called the country a mistake.
Iranian reporters asked the coach his stance on a number of American domestic issues during the press conference.
The World Cup made history as it was knocked out in the first round.
The Ex-FIFA Head Says: "Here's Why the World Cup Is Mired in Controversy."
The players from the U.S. and other countries stand to make a lot of money.
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