Iran Releases Soccer Players Ahead of Match Against US

Iran Releases Soccer Players Ahead of Match Against US
Voria Ghafouri (R) fights for the ball with Iraqi midfielder Hussein Ali, during the AFC Asian Cup soccer match in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, on Jan. 16, 2019. Kamran Jebreili/AP Photo
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DUBAI, United Arab Emirates—Iranian authorities said Tuesday that two former members of the national soccer team arrested this month in connection with nationwide protests have been released on bail.

The announcement came hours before Iran was set to play the United States at the World Cup in a match that authorities are heavily promoting as they grapple with nationwide protests that are well into their third month.