Iran Football Players Leave Emotional Locker Room Note In LA: '#Minab, #168'

Last Updated:June 22, 2026, 13:08 IST

Iran’s players left an emotional note in their Los Angeles locker room, thanking supporters and calling for peace as they kept their World Cup hopes alive.

Iran’s men’s football team left an emotional handwritten note in their SoFi Stadium locker room after Sunday’s goalless draw against Belgium, thanking Los Angeles for its hospitality and expressing hope for peace amid difficult circumstances surrounding their World Cup campaign.

The message, later released by Iran’s football federation, came after Iran secured a valuable 0-0 draw that kept their hopes of reaching the knockout stage alive ahead of their final Group G match against Egypt in Seattle.

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

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

The players also thanked the thousands of Iranian supporters who filled the stands during the team’s two matches at SoFi Stadium.

“Thank you to every Iranian who gave their heart, voice and soul for Iran throughout these 180 minutes," the note continued. “May peace, respect and friendship prevail among all nations."

The message included the hashtags #168 and #Minab, references to the bombing of a school in the Iranian city of Minab during the ongoing conflict involving the United States and Iran. The incident has been reported as one of the deadliest tragedies linked to the conflict.

Los Angeles hosted both of Iran’s Group G matches, with the team travelling from its base in Tijuana, Mexico, for each fixture. Iran opened their campaign with a 2-2 draw against New Zealand before holding Belgium to a scoreless draw.

Strong support from the Iranian community in Los Angeles created a vibrant atmosphere at both matches. The city is home to one of the largest Iranian diaspora populations in the world, giving the team a near home-like environment.

However, political divisions among supporters were also visible, with some fans displaying the Islamic Republic flag while others carried the pre-1979 lion-and-sun flag associated with the Iranian opposition.

Iran’s participation in the tournament has been complicated by travel restrictions that prevent the team from remaining in the United States for more than 48 hours at a time. As a result, the squad shifted its base from Tucson, Arizona, to Tijuana and has been commuting across the border for matches.

Several members of the delegation also faced visa-related difficulties. Some officials and support staff were denied entry, while winger Mehdi Torabi had to secure a new visa after his original permit expired following the New Zealand match.

Head coach Amir Ghalenoei has repeatedly criticised the restrictions, saying his players have faced circumstances unlike any other team in the tournament.

After the Belgium draw, Ghalenoei described Iran as the “most oppressed team in the whole World Cup" and praised his players for delivering a strong performance despite the challenges.

Iran now travel to Seattle for their final group-stage match against Egypt, knowing that a positive result could secure a historic place in the knockout rounds.

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