The Iranian national soccer team and its officials made a significant gesture ahead of their World Cup warmup match against Costa Rica in Antalya, Turkey. Players and staff members held up photographs depicting children they allege were victims of airstrikes conducted by the United States and Israel.

Pre-Match Tribute in Antalya

The solemn display occurred while the teams were observing the national anthems before the friendly fixture. Although the stadium in Antalya hosted no spectators for this specific game, FIFA President Gianni Infantino was in attendance.

Honoring Victims of Previous Strikes

This tribute specifically aimed to honor the alleged child victims of recent military actions. The team had previously planned a similar gesture before another friendly against Nigeria on Friday.

The prior planned tribute was intended to remember victims of a deadly missile strike on an elementary school in southern Iran on February 28. Reports indicate that over 165 individuals perished in that attack, the majority of whom were children.

International Context and Responsibility

Neither the United States nor Israel has claimed responsibility for the specific elementary school attack. However, the incident has drawn widespread condemnation from various human rights organizations and the United Nations.

The U.S. military confirmed it is conducting an investigation into the matter. They have publicly stated that their forces would never intentionally target civilians.

World Cup Participation Concerns

Iranian government and soccer officials have confirmed they do not intend to boycott the upcoming World Cup, which is being co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico in June. However, they cited ongoing conflict initiated by the U.S. and Israel as a reason why it was deemed impossible for the national team to travel to the U.S.

The Islamic Republic’s team is scheduled to compete in three group stage matches, all slated to take place in the United States. The Iranian ambassador in Mexico City reportedly requested that FIFA relocate these three fixtures to Mexico.