Iran’s national team left a handwritten message promoting peace and friendship after their World Cup Group G match against Belgium in Los Angeles.
The note was discovered in the dressing room following Iran’s goalless draw with Belgium, their second match of the tournament. The message was later shared publicly by the Football Federation of Iran (FFIRI).
Referencing Iran’s long history and national identity, the team wrote that they had arrived in Los Angeles with pride, competed with honour and were leaving with dignity. The message thanked the city for its hospitality and expressed gratitude to Iranian supporters who backed the team throughout their opening two World Cup matches.
It concluded with a call for peace, respect and friendship among all nations.
The statement comes at a sensitive time, with Iran competing at the World Cup while diplomatic efforts continue between Iran and the United States, one of the tournament’s co-hosts alongside Canada and Mexico, to bring an end to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
The note also referenced a deadly attack on a girls’ school in the city of Minab, where at least 168 people were reported killed on the first day of the war.
Iran’s participation in the tournament has been overshadowed by off-field complications linked to the conflict and security measures. Several key members of the team’s backroom staff were reportedly refused US entry visas before the competition began.
The FFIRI also criticised FIFA after its allocation of tournament tickets was withdrawn shortly before the World Cup got underway, urging football’s governing body to maintain neutrality and fairness.
As a result of the restrictions, Iran relocated its World Cup base from Arizona to Tijuana, Mexico. The team has been required to operate under strict travel conditions, allowing players and staff to enter the United States only shortly before matches and leave again on the same day.
Following Iran’s opening 2-2 draw against New Zealand, head coach Amir Ghalenoei described his side as the tournament’s “most oppressed” team because of the challenges they have faced.
Iran will complete their group-stage campaign against Egypt in Seattle on 27 June. However, there may be some flexibility regarding their travel arrangements, with Andrew Giuliani, executive director of the White House’s World Cup taskforce, confirming that discussions are taking place over the timing of the team’s arrival and departure for the match.