Iran’s men’s national team staged a symbolic protest against schoolbag bans before a friendly match against Nigeria in Turkey.
Players wore black armbands and held colourful schoolbags during the national anthem. A team official said the gesture was meant to honour schoolgirls killed on the first day of the ongoing conflict. The match was held in Belek as part of preparations for the upcoming World Cup.
The players carried pink and purple schoolbags decorated with ribbons.
According to officials, the bags referenced the attack on the Shajareh Tayyebeh School. Tehran claims the incident killed more than 175 people, including children and teachers. A team media official said the players held the bags close to their hearts to remember the victims.
However, U.S. military investigators have not reached a final conclusion. They said it is likely that U.S. forces were responsible, but the inquiry remains ongoing.
Iran's men's soccer team wore black armbands and held schoolbags during their anthem in Turkey to protest the killing of schoolgirls in the Iran war https://t.co/UJt37KGgtF pic.twitter.com/h4DPGTn2hE
— Reuters (@Reuters) March 27, 2026The protest comes amid uncertainty over Iran’s participation in the next FIFA World Cup, to be held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Earlier this month, U.S. President Donald Trump said Iran’s team would be welcome to play, though he also raised concerns about their safety. Iran’s football federation has since opened discussions with FIFA about moving its matches from the United States to Mexico.
Read: Minab Girls’ School Strike Raises Questions Over US Targeting Process
This is not the first time Iranian players have used football to express dissent. Previously, members of Iran’s women’s team remained silent during the national anthem at an Asian Cup match. State television in Tehran later criticised them, calling the act disloyal. These incidents highlight how political tensions continue to shape sports and athlete activism.
Iran will continue its preparations with another friendly against Costa Rica in Turkey next week. As tensions persist, the intersection of sports and politics remains under close global scrutiny.
