Arabic version: فريق كرة القدم الإيراني يكرم ضحايا غارة جوية على مدرسة

Iran’s men’s soccer team honoured the victims of a deadly missile strike on a girls’ primary school by holding small backpacks during a friendly match against Nigeria. The strike, which occurred on February 28, resulted in the deaths of more than 165 individuals, primarily children. According to ABC News, the Iranian players paid tribute by placing small pink and purple school backpacks in front of them while singing the national anthem.

The Iranian government has attributed the missile strike to the United States and Israel, although both countries have denied responsibility. The U.S. military is currently investigating the incident.

During the match, which took place in Antalya, southern Türkiye, the Iranian team also wore black armbands to remember those who lost their lives since the onset of the conflict. Despite the tragic circumstances, the match ended with Nigeria defeating Iran 2-1.

Iran is set to participate in this year’s FIFA World Cup but has expressed reluctance to play matches in the United States due to safety concerns. The Iranian ambassador in Mexico City has requested FIFA to relocate the team’s three scheduled group-stage matches to Mexico. FIFA president Gianni Infantino has stated that the tournament will proceed as planned, regardless of Iran’s requests.