Fans at Iran’s World Cup match against New Zealand displayed a banner in the stands honoring 168 children from Minab who were killed in a military strike on a school during the early phase of the Iran–US conflict. The message referenced the incident as a form of remembrance and tribute during the game.
The strike, which occurred on February 28 in southern Iran, is widely described in Iranian sources as a mistaken attack on a nearby military site that instead hit a school in Minab. Iranian media and officials have highlighted the victims, mostly schoolchildren, as a symbol of national mourning.
Ahead of the match, Iran’s football federation president Mahdi Taj also stated that the team’s campaign carried the name “Minab 168,” framing their participation as a tribute to the victims. The symbol “168” has been used by the team and supporters throughout their World Cup preparations.
Iranian supporters used the stadium display and the “Minab 168” reference to commemorate the 168 schoolchildren killed in the Minab strike during the Iran - New Zealand World Cup match.
