The hard truth is worth repeating: it is the first time in the World Cup’s 96-year history that a competing nation is at war with a host. Protests are planned at Iran’s opening game in Los Angeles against New Zealand on Monday and, as Kieran Jackson explains, the contest could even be halted Get daily World Cup briefings from our writers across North America – plus more from Inside Sport after the tournament Get our free World Cup briefing and sport email Get our free World Cup briefing and