Iran's World Cup team leave 74-word hand written note in dressing room despite being ordered to leave US immediately
Players from the Iranian football team have called for 'peace, respect and friendship' in a handwritten note left after their match with Belgium.
Yesterday saw Iran end their second World Cup match with a 0-0 draw against Belgium, leaving them second in Group G and likely to reach the tournament's knockout stages.
However, Iran's World Cup journey has not been a smooth one.
The Iranians have played both of their games in Los Angeles, with strict rules imposed by the US forcing the team to return to their training camp in Tijuana, Mexico, immediately after their matches ended.
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Following Iran's second match in the City of Angels, players left a poigniant handwritten message in their locker room, thanking the people of Los Angeles for their hospitality.
The note, which was released by the Iranian Football Federation and widely shared on social media, begins by referencing the nation's long history, reading: "From the ancient Persia of thousands of years ago to the civilised Iran of today, the spirit of Iran remains alive and steadfast.
'We came to Los Angeles with pride, competed with honour, and leave with dignity," the note continued.
"Thank you Los Angeles for your hospitality.
"And thank you to every Iranian who gave their heart, voice and soul for Iran throughout these 180 minutes.
"May peace, respect and friendship prevail among all nations."
The note also references the deaths of 168 people who were killed after a missile strike back in February.
Fired during the opening day of the US war against Iran, the missile hit a primary school in the southern city of Minab, killing at least 120 children as well as teachers, parents, school staff and a technician from a nearby pharmacy.
Investigations carried out later suggested that the attack was likely carried out using a US-made Tomahawk missile.
Iran's 2026 World Cup journey so far
Despite a memorandum of understanding being signed between the US and Iran, the Middle Eastern country's World Cup debut has been marred by the conflict.
Tensions between the two nations meant it was uncertain if the team would make the tournament, while boos and demonstrations from anti-government protests marked the team's opening match against New Zealand.
Following the 2-2 draw against New Zealand, team captain Mehdi Taremi claimed his side had been forced to leave US soil immediately.
His claims echoed comments made by coach Amir Ghalenoei, who told reporters (via TalkSport): "We were supposed to arrive two nights before the game but they didn’t permit [it].
"We were supposed to stay here tonight to recover and return tomorrow lunchtime.
"I think our team is the most oppressed one in the whole World Cup, our federation isn’t here, our media isn’t here, our management isn’t here."
Topics: Iran, World Cup, Football, Social Media
Brenna Cooper