Iran national football team holds tribute for casualties before match against Costa Rica

On March 31, 2026, the Iranian national football team held a tribute for children killed in recent regional conflicts before a friendly match against Costa Rica at the Mardan Stadium in Antalya, Turkey. Players including Mehdi Taremi displayed photographs of the victims, an action witnessed by FIFA President Gianni Infantino who was in attendance. Reports differ on the specific origin of the casualties, with some accounts attributing the deaths to a tragedy in Minab and others describing them as victims of a war involving the USA and Israel. The match itself concluded with a 5-0 victory for Iran. Goals were scored by Ali Gholizadeh, Mohammad Mohebbi, and Mehdi Taremi, who converted two penalties. This exhibition game served as part of the preparations for the 2026 World Cup.