Iran, FIFA, Ehsan Hajsafi
8 June 2026
Iran players arrived in Mexico wearing #168 pins in memory of children killed in a school strike during the U.S.-Iran conflict. The gesture could test FIFA rules on political messages before Iran’s World Cup matches.
FIFA regulations ban political slogans, statements or images on team equipment during competitions, but travel clothing sits in a greyer area. Iran had already used school bags and victim images in earlier friendlies, with no public punishment announced.