Iran's national football team arrived in Tijuana, Mexico, ahead of the World Cup, wearing lapel pins to honor the victims of a tragic missile strike on a school in their home country. The players donned gold-colored pins featuring the number "168," which represents the lives lost, predominantly children, in the attack that occurred on February 28 in Minab, southern Iran.

Commemoration of Victims

The missile strike, which is believed to have been launched by the U.S., targeted an elementary school located near a Revolutionary Guard base. The incident has drawn significant condemnation from the United Nations and various human rights organizations. In a social media post, Iran's embassy in Hungary acknowledged the players' tribute, referencing the victims of the Minab strike.

Team's Journey and Upcoming Matches

Prior to their arrival in Mexico, the Iranian delegation traveled from Antalya, Turkey, on a private jet. This change of plans came two weeks ago when they opted to use Mexico as their training base instead of Tucson, Arizona. Iran is set to play all three of its group-stage matches in the United States, although there have been delays in visa processing for some players and staff, particularly those linked to the Revolutionary Guard.

As the team prepares for their opening match against New Zealand on June 15 in Inglewood, California, the timeline for their entry into the U.S. remains uncertain. Following their initial game, Iran will return to Tijuana and then head back to Inglewood on June 21 to face Belgium, before traveling to Seattle for a match against Egypt on June 26. Should both Iran and the U.S. finish second in their respective groups, they could potentially meet in the round of 32 on July 3 at the Dallas Cowboys' stadium in Arlington, Texas.