The Iranian football team has left a note of thanks in their locker room at Los Angeles’ SoFi Stadium after their goalless draw against Belgium in their second FIFA World Cup outing on Sunday. Iran have played both of their World Cup Group G matches so far in Los Angeles California, and will be moving further up north along the United States’ Pacific coast to Seattle for their final game against Egypt on Friday.
“From the ancient Persia of thousands of years ago to the civilized Iran of today, the spirit of Iran remains alive and steadfast,” read the handwritten note in Iran’s locker room that was shared by the country’s football federation.
“Thank you Los Angeles for your hospitality.
“We came to Los Angeles with pride, competed with honor, and leave with dignity,” it added.
A note from the Iran national football team in SoFi Stadium's locker room. These athletes have faced discrimination by their World Cup hosts for representing a nation that was attacked in an unprovoked war. Imagine how they'd have been treated if they had invaded another country pic.twitter.com/xfwxM8cQid— Kourosh Ziabari (@KZiabari) June 22, 2026
A note from the Iran national football team in SoFi Stadium's locker room. These athletes have faced discrimination by their World Cup hosts for representing a nation that was attacked in an unprovoked war. Imagine how they'd have been treated if they had invaded another country pic.twitter.com/xfwxM8cQid
How the World Cup is a tougher experience for Iran than other teams
Iran’s note of gratitude comes at a time amid an ongoing conflict with the US and Israel in West Asia, which had cast doubts on Team Melli’s participation in the build-up to the tournament. Not only did the Iranians have their US visas delayed, they have also been ordered to leave the country immediately after the match.
The Iranian contingent had their training camp shifted to Tijuana in Mexico ahead of the tournament and had returned to the city from LA after each of their two group-stage matches. They are expected to follow suit after their game in Seattle as well as subsequent knockout matches, should they qualify.
Iran currently are second in their group after consecutive draws, and will fancy their chances of advancing past the first round for the first time ever. They are level on two points with Belgium, but occupy the second spot due to the fact that they have scored more goals.
Egypt currently occupy the top spot with 4 points after defeating New Zealand 3-1 in their second game.
