The protest occurred ahead of Iran's friendly against Costa Rica in Antalya, Turkey, with players and staff members all taking part, according to multiple reports. Some also displayed images of damaged hospitals and historical buildings caused by ongoing conflict in the region. The demonstration took place in front of FIFA president Gianni Infantino, who had traveled to Turkey amid ongoing uncertainty surrounding Iran's participation in the World Cup. It remains unclear what specific US and Israeli airstrikes the pictures referred to or when they occurred.
A similar demonstration happened before Iran's friendly with Nigeria on Friday, when players lined up with school rucksacks to honor victims of a strike that left at least 170 people from a school in Minab, Iran, dead, multiple reports indicate. Details of that strike, including who was responsible and when it happened, have not been confirmed. Infantino attended the friendly in Antalya and had a fruitful discussion with the Iranian team, according to reports.
Iran will be at the World Cup. We're delighted because they're a very, very strong team, I'm very happy. The matches will be played where they are supposed to be, according to the draw. I've seen the team, I've spoken to the players and the coach, so everything is fine.
Iran is set to play all three of their group-stage games in the USA at the World Cup, which is co-hosted by the USA, Mexico, and Canada. US President Donald Trump recently suggested that Iran should not travel to the tournament for their own life and safety. Iran's Minister of Sports and Youth, Ahmad Donyamali, previously hinted that the nation would not be able to participate, though the exact reasons beyond safety concerns are not fully known.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino insisted that Iran's matches will be played in the USA as scheduled, according to the draw. Iran had previously said it was in negotiations to move their group fixtures outside of the US, but the current status of those talks is uncertain. Mexico's president, Claudia Sheinbaum, insisted the country would step up if needed to host Iran's matches.
For us, what matters most are FIFA's rules and regulations. We will comply with whatever FIFA decides. Every host country has made commitments to FIFA and must honour them.
Iranian officials have offered conflicting statements on World Cup participation. Mehdi Mohammad Nabi, the vice president of the Iranian Football Federation, indicated that Iran will not boycott the tournament and will comply with FIFA's decisions. It is not known how Infantino reacted to the protest during the match.
In the friendly, Iran beat Costa Rica 5-0, according to multiple reports. The result capped a week of political demonstrations and diplomatic discussions as the team prepares for potential World Cup action amid heightened tensions.
Having learned that we were organising friendly matches here, he came to see us in person, and we had a fruitful discussion. Given our history in this competition, it is only natural that FIFA should support the Iranian team. Mr Infantino is providing the necessary support to our national team and has given our players a great boost.