Key Takeaways
- Iran left a handwritten note in the dressing room after their 0-0 draw with Belgium at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, calling for peace and friendship among all nations.
- The message also honored victims of a girls' school attack in Minab, where at least 168 were killed on the first day of the war between Iran and the United States.
- Iran's World Cup campaign has been overshadowed by severe travel restrictions, visa denials, and the suspension of their ticket allocation.
- Head coach Amir Ghalenoei labeled his team the "most oppressed" at the tournament, while the White House task force hints at possible adjustments for their final group game.
Quick Facts
Match: Iran 0-0 Belgium, Group G
Venue: Los Angeles Stadium
Note left by: Iran national team
Key quote: "May peace, respect and friendship prevail among all nations."
Next match: Iran vs Egypt, 27 June 2026, Seattle (04:00 BST)
A Gesture of Peace Amidst Tensions
In a poignant display of sportsmanship and humanity, the Iran national team left a handwritten message in their dressing room following a 0-0 draw with Belgium at Los Angeles Stadium, calling for "peace, respect and friendship" as their country remains locked in war with co-hosts the United States.
The note, released by the Football Federation of Iran (FFIRI) and reported by the BBC, 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."
The message also made reference to the devastating attack on a girls' school in Minab, where at least 168 people were killed on the first day of the conflict—a tragedy that has cast a long shadow over Iran's World Cup journey.
The 'Most Oppressed' Team
Iran's participation in the tournament has been mired in uncertainty and logistical nightmares. Multiple integral backroom staff members were denied US entry visas, while the FFIRI called on FIFA to "uphold the principles of neutrality, fairness, and established regulations" after their ticket allocation was revoked on the eve of the tournament. Consequently, Iran were forced to switch their base from Arizona to Tijuana, Mexico, and under current visa conditions, they are only permitted to fly into the US one day before a match and must depart the same day.
This prompted head coach Amir Ghalenoei to declare his side the "most oppressed" at the World Cup after their 2-2 opening draw with New Zealand. However, Andrew Giuliani, executive director of the White House's World Cup taskforce, recently stated that "discussions going on" about easing the travel timings for their final Group G clash against Egypt in Seattle, offering a glimmer of hope for a less strained finale.
Belgium Held as Decline Continues
On the pitch, Belgium's struggles persisted. A goalless stalemate highlighted further signs of decline for the aging golden generation, who now face a critical final group match to secure progression. For Iran, the draw leaves them with two points from two games, keeping their knockout hopes alive. The spotlight, however, remained firmly on the extraordinary circumstances surrounding their campaign and the heartfelt call for peace left behind in their dressing room.
What Lies Ahead
Iran will face Egypt on 27 June in Seattle, with kick-off scheduled for 04:00 BST. If the White House discussions yield results, the team may benefit from less restrictive travel. Regardless, the note in Los Angeles will stand as a powerful reminder that football can transcend even the deepest geopolitical divides.