Iran's World Cup squad leaves dignified locker room note for Los Angeles after draw with Belgium

Iran's national football team left a handwritten message in the locker room at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on Sunday after a 0-0 draw with Belgium in Group G of the FIFA World Cup, declaring they had arrived in the city "with pride, competed with honour, and leave with dignity" — words that have drawn considerable attention beyond the result itself. 

The note, released by Iran's football federation, was addressed to the people of Los Angeles and to Iranian supporters around the world.

"From the ancient Persia of thousands of years ago to the civilised Iran of today, the spirit of Iran remains alive and steadfast," the message read.

"Thank you, Los Angeles, for your hospitality. We came to Los Angeles with pride, competed with honour, and leave with dignity."

The note also expressed gratitude to Iranian fans who gave their "heart, voice and soul" for the team across the two matches played in Los Angeles, before closing with a broader appeal: "May peace, respect and friendship prevail among all nations."

Iranian footballer Ramin Rezaeian also shared the message on X, saying the team had come to Los Angeles “with pride”, competed “with honour”, and left “with heads held high”. His post also thanked Los Angeles for its hospitality and expressed hopes that peace, respect and friendship would prevail among all nations.

Iran's participation in the tournament has been overshadowed by significant logistical constraints. The squad has been based in Tijuana, Mexico, for the duration of their World Cup campaign, commuting across the border into the United States for each match due to restrictions governing their presence in the country. A number of Iran's coaching staff and officials have also been banned from entering the United States.

Los Angeles hosted both of Iran's Group G fixtures — a 2-2 draw with New Zealand in their opener, also at SoFi Stadium, followed by Sunday's goalless encounter with Belgium, according to Reuters.

US officials have said the squad's travel arrangements will continue to be assessed, and discussions over easing some of the restrictions remain ongoing.

Iran head coach Amir Ghalenoei has been outspoken about the difficulties his side has faced. He has repeatedly criticised the travel restrictions imposed on the squad, stating the team has been forced to endure challenges no other side at the tournament has had to contend with. 

Despite the challenging circumstances, Iran's result against Belgium — reported by both Reuters and The Straits Times — keeps their hopes of advancing to the knockout stages alive. The team will next travel to Seattle for their final Group G fixture against Egypt.