Iran names World Cup convoy 'Minab 168' in tribute to children killed in US-Israeli bombing

Iran's national football team is pressing forward with its 2026 World Cup preparations, with officials naming the team's convoy "Minab 168" as a tribute to schoolchildren killed in the US-Israeli strikes in Minab, southern Iran.

Iranian football federation's 2026 World Cup cultural committee met on Tuesday to officially name the Iranian convoy "Minab 168" in memory of the 168 schoolchildren, most of them girls, who were martyred on February 28, the first day of the US-Israeli war of aggression.

The unprovoked and illegal aggression, which came amidst nuclear talks between Tehran and Washington, deliberately targeted civilian infrastructure across the country, including the elementary school in Minab, sparking anger and outrage across the country.

Tuesday's discussions also touched on organizing cultural fan packages, reviewing the team's anthem, and establishing a special fan task force.

Despite the war shuttering the domestic league for more than 40 days, the team's training camps continued, officials said.

Government spokeswoman Fatemeh Mohajerani reaffirmed that Iran is prioritizing full support for its national athletes and the upgrade of sports infrastructure across the country.

Mohajerani emphasized that the sports ministry has issued special directives to organize friendly matches with neighboring countries, including Turkey. The goal of these measures, she noted, is to bring joy to the Iranian people, ahead of the World Cup.

However, the ultimate decision on whether Iran will travel to the tournament – to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 – currently rests with the Iranian cabinet and the country’s top security body.

Pointing to the military aggression carried out against Iran, including its sports infrastructure, Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali recently hinted that the team could skip the event.

"Our players do not have security, and fundamentally, the conditions for participation do not exist," he said recently.

The US government has also signaled that it may hamper the team's participation.

While FIFA President Gianni Infantino claimed that the Iranian team is "welcome to compete," the US president warned that the Iranian team’s "life and safety" would be at risk if they participated in the event.

The situation has also sparked diplomatic maneuvers behind the scenes. Paolo Zampolli, a special representative for Donald Trump, recently proposed replacing Iran with Italy in the tournament.

“I confirm I have suggested to Trump and Infantino that Italy replace Iran at the World Cup,” he said, adding, “I’m an Italian native and it would be a dream to see the Azzurri at a U.S.-hosted tournament. With four titles, they have the pedigree to justify inclusion.”

FIFA reportedly rejected the suggestion, pointing to Infantino's recent assertion that "the Iranian team is definitely coming."

Meanwhile, the Iranian embassy in Rome lambasted Zampolli's proposal as a sign of the United States' "moral bankruptcy." In a statement published on X, the embassy wrote, "Italy earned its greatness in football on the pitch, not thanks to political favors."

Should the government cabinet approve the team’s participation in the biggest football tournament, the Iranian squad is scheduled to face New Zealand on June 16 and Belgium on June 21 in Los Angeles, before traveling to Seattle to play Egypt on June 27.

Press TV’s website can also be accessed at the following alternate addresses:

www.presstv.ir