Following a scoreless draw against Belgium in their second Group G match at Los Angeles Stadium, the Iranian national team left a handwritten note in their locker room. The message called for harmony, respect, and friendship to exist between all countries. Released by the Football Federation of Iran, the letter highlighted the enduring spirit of the nation from its ancient history to the present day. It expressed gratitude for the hospitality shown in Los Angeles and thanked the fans who supported the squad during their two opening matches.
This gesture coincided with the backdrop of ongoing conflict between Iran and the United States, one of the three nations co-hosting the 2026 World Cup alongside Canada and Mexico. The note also contained a reference to a tragic attack on a girls’ school in Minab that resulted in 168 fatalities at the start of the hostilities. Iran, which previously drew 2-2 with New Zealand, is set to face Egypt in Seattle for their final group stage fixture on June 27.
The team’s tournament experience has been marred by logistical difficulties, including denied visas for essential staff and the revocation of ticket allocations by FIFA. Consequently, Iran moved their base from Arizona to Tijuana, Mexico. Current visa regulations require the team to enter the United States only one day before their matches and depart immediately afterward. While head coach Amir Ghalenoei has described the squad as the most oppressed group at the event, Andrew Giuliani of the White House World Cup taskforce indicated that officials are discussing potential adjustments to the travel restrictions for their upcoming game against Egypt.
