Key facts
- Iranian fans displayed a banner honoring 168 children killed in a 2026 missile strike on a Minab school.
- Iran's national football team is competing as 'Minab 168' and wearing gold pins.
- Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs rejected claims that the school was a missile launch facility.
- The ministry stated over 170 children and teachers were killed in the attack.
- The team drew 2-2 with New Zealand in their opening World Cup match.
Iranian football fans displayed a banner during a World Cup qualifier match to commemorate 168 children killed in a 2026 missile strike on a primary school in Minab. Iranian authorities attribute the strike to the "US-Israeli war on Iran" and have rejected claims that the school was a missile launch facility. The national team is competing as 'Minab 168' and wearing gold pins as a tribute. Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that over 170 children and teachers were killed in the attack. Fifa President Gianni Infantino visited the team's dressing room after their 2-2 draw with New Zealand.