The gesture took place nearly one month after an airstrike targeted a girls' elementary school in Iran. According to Iranian officials, the attack killed at least 168 people, including approximately 110 students. Other sources from Tehran suggested the total number of victims, including students and teachers at Shajareh Tayyebeh school, could exceed 175. The school was hit on the first day of an airstrike campaign reportedly conducted by the United States and Israel.

Iranian players hold children's backpacks in commemoration before a friendly match against Nigeria in Antalya, Turkey, on 27/3/2026. Photo: Reuters

Before kickoff, the Iranian players lined up, each holding a pink or purple backpack adorned with ribbons close to their chests as the national anthem played. A team representative stated this gesture was to honor the "165 girls who died in the attack." They also wore black armbands as a sign of mourning.

The match took place at the Belek resort in Antalya province, Turkey, where Iran is training for the 2026 World Cup. However, the team's ability to participate in the tournament faces questions as conflicts in the Middle East persist. Iran refused to travel to the United States, one of the three co-hosting nations. The Iranian Football Federation (IFF) also requested the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) move their World Cup matches from US territory to Mexico, but the request was denied.

The school bombing became a focal point of international controversy, with conflicting claims of responsibility. US President Donald Trump initially blamed Iran, stating the explosion resulted from the inaccuracy of their weapons. However, US military investigators later indicated they leaned towards the possibility that US forces caused the attack, though they have not released a final conclusion.

Shajareh Tayyebeh elementary school in Minab district, Hormozgan province, Iran, was destroyed after an attack on 28/2. Photo: Anadolu

Iran reacted strongly to Mr. Trump's statements. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi accused it of being a deliberate act, emphasizing that the incident could not be concealed or ignored. Meanwhile, Volker Turk, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, called for a full investigation and the public release of its findings, describing the bombing as horrific.

The Iranian team's actions reflect how football has become intertwined with the political and military crisis in the Middle East. Not long before this, the Iranian women's national team also refused to sing the national anthem at the Asian Cup, drawing strong criticism from domestic media.

In the friendly match on 27/3, Iran lost 1-2 to Nigeria. Captain Mehdi Taremi scored their only goal after their opponent had taken a two-goal lead. Iran will continue their friendly schedule against Costa Rica in Turkey on 31/3.

Hoang An (according to *Telegraph*, *Guardian*)