Iran Players Hold Up War Victims’ Photos Before Friendly Clash In Turkey | WATCH

In a sport often seen as an escape, Iran made a powerful statement — reminding everyone that sometimes the world follows you onto the pitch.

Iranian players paid a sobering tribute that set the tone for the night before their 5-0 win in a friendly match against Costa Rica in Turkey on Tuesday.

Ahead of kickoff, every Iranian player stood during the national anthem, holding photographs of children killed in the ongoing Middle East conflict.

#BREAKING
The Iran national football team held images of martyrs of the Dena ship, destroyed sports venues and historical buildings, Red Crescent forces and firefighters during the US-Israeli aggression on war ahead of the match against Costa Rica. pic.twitter.com/6c16AMLPkQ

— Tehran Times (@TehranTimes79) March

31, 2026

The images, according to Iranian officials, included victims of a devastating airstrike on a school in Minab on February 28 — the opening day of the joint US-Israeli assault, which reportedly killed at least 170 people, including students and teachers.

Head coach Amir Ghalenoei and federation vice-president Mehdi Mohammad Nabi joined the players in holding up the photographs, reinforcing the message of solidarity.

Just days earlier, before a friendly against Nigeria, the team had also held up children’s schoolbags in tribute to the same victims.

World Cup Uncertainty And FIFA’s Stand

The backdrop to all of this is the growing uncertainty over Iran’s participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

With tensions escalating, Iran had reportedly explored moving their matches out of the United States. But FIFA President Gianni Infantino firmly shut down any such possibility.

“Iran represents its people… they qualified for this World Cup on the field,” Infantino said, speaking to N+.

“We want them to play… there are no plans B, C, or D; it’s plan A.”

As it stands, Iran are scheduled to open their campaign against New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15, before facing Belgium and Egypt later in the group stage.

(with AFP inputs)