Iran’s national soccer team left an emotional handwritten note in the locker room of SoFi Stadium on Sunday after a hard-fought 0-0 draw with Belgium.
The message released by the Iranian Football Federation reflects deep national pride and gratitude towards the host country, keeping alive the dream of qualifying for the World Cup finals despite difficult logistics conditions.
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Iran writes heartfelt note, calls for peace
The 74-word message left on the whiteboard in the locker room was poignant and highlighted the team’s resilience amidst great geopolitical tensions.
The note expressed a strong message of cultural unity and a clear appeal for global harmony, and stood out as one of the most powerful moments of the tournament so far.
“From ancient Persia thousands of years ago to today’s civilized Iran, the spirit of Iran remains alive and unwavering,” the handwritten note said. “Los Angeles, thank you for your hospitality. We came to Los Angeles with pride, competed with honor, and left with dignity.”
The letter also expressed deep gratitude to the passionate local Iranians who packed the stands, and thanked all supporters who gave their “heart, voice and soul” to the team’s 180 minutes in California.
Importantly, the text included the tags “#168” and “#Minab,” paying homage to the schoolchildren who died in Minab’s historic missile attack. The document concludes with the plea that “peace, respect and friendship prevail among all peoples.”
Iran remains undefeated despite tough travel restrictions
This defiant stance comes as Iran battles unprecedented off-field obstacles. Strict travel restrictions imposed by US immigration authorities restrict the Iranian team from staying in the US for more than 48 hours at a time.
As a result, head coach Amir Galenoei and his team were forced to cross the border to Tijuana, Mexico, for the match.
Galenoei was highly critical of the environment, calling his team “the most oppressed team in the World Cup”.
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Iran must beat Egypt in crucial final group match
Iran is currently in second place in the group, two points behind first-place Egypt, who won their first World Cup victory with a 3-1 victory over New Zealand.
Belgium are in third place with two points and are expected to increase to five points if they defeat New Zealand in the final match.
Therefore, it will be a match for Iran that Egypt must win to qualify for the next round.
