I always root for Team USA in any international sporting event. But when it comes to our World Cup match Tuesday against Iran, I think it’s more important our opponents make it to the next round.

Why?

The people of Iran are months into nationwide protests demanding fundamental change to the way their country is ruled. At its heart, what’s happening in Iran is a freedom and equality movement. Protesters’ goals are in line with U.S. ideals and liberal values generally, and their success would be a major blow to the worldwide authoritarian wave of recent years. This moment deserves attention, and no global stage is bigger than the World Cup. Billions will be watching. The longer Iran stays in, the more recognition its people and their movement will receive.

[I’m Team USA all the way and will root for them tomorrow, to the extent I pay attention at all. (Not much of a soccer fan.) But Rezaian makes a good argument here, and he’s no apologist for Tehran; he spent 18 months in Iranian prisons after getting arrested for his reporting until finally getting sprung under pressure in early 2016. Background here. — Ed]