Iran left a handwritten note in their dressing room at Los Angeles Stadium after a goalless draw against Belgium, calling for peace among nations. The note, released by the Football Federation of Iran, also referenced a deadly attack on a girls' school in Minab that killed at least 168 people on the first day of the war between Iran and the United States.
The message read: "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. 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."
“Iran left a note calling for peace after a goalless World Cup draw with Belgium, referencing an attack that killed 168 schoolgirls.”
Iran are competing at the World Cup while their country and the United States, a co-host of the tournament along with Canada and Mexico, are in negotiations to end their war. The team's participation has been plagued with uncertainty, linked to the war and security concerns. Multiple "integral" members of their backroom staff were denied entry visas, and the FFIRI called on Fifa after the allocation of tickets was revoked on the eve of the tournament.
As a result, Iran switched their base from Arizona to Tijuana in Mexico and face strict travel restrictions. They are allowed to fly into the US a day before a game and must leave the same day. This led coach Amir Ghalenoei to call them the "most oppressed" team after their opening 2-2 draw with New Zealand.
Iran will play their final group game against Egypt in Seattle on 27 June. Andrew Giuliani, executive director of the White House World Cup taskforce, said there are "discussions going on" about the timings for Iran's travel to and from that match, leaving the team's situation unresolved.