Iran World Cup team leaves dressing room message of peace after Belgium draw

Iran's football team left a handwritten note promoting peace and honoring Minab school strike victims after a 0-0 World Cup draw against Belgium. The squad faces severe travel restrictions while preparing for their final group match against Egypt

New Delhi: Iran’s national football team used the FIFA World Cup 2026 stage to deliver a poignant message of peace and unity following their goalless Group G draw against Belgium at the Los Angeles Stadium. The team left a handwritten note in the dressing room, which was later shared publicly by the Football Federation of Iran (FFIRI).

The note comes amid severe geopolitical tensions following the outbreak of war on February 28. Both nations are currently engaged in negotiations to halt the conflict.

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“From the ancient Persia of thousands of years ago to the modern Iran of today, the spirit of Iran remains alive and strong,” the team’s message stated. “We came to Los Angeles with pride, played with honour, and left with dignity.

“Thank you, Los Angeles, for your hospitality. And thank you to every Iranian who gave their heart, voice, and soul for Iran during these 180 minutes. May peace, respect, and friendship prevail among all nations.”

The dressing room message also explicitly highlighted the tragic attack on the Shajareh Tayyebeh girls’ school in Minab, where at least 168 people—predominantly schoolchildren aged between 7 and 12—were killed on the opening day of the conflict.

On the pitch, Iran has earned two points from their first two group-stage matches, following a 2-2 opening draw against New Zealand and Sunday’s scoreless tie with Belgium. Group G remains entirely open as Team Melli prepares to face Egypt in their final group fixture in Seattle on June 27.

Iran’s World Cup campaign has been heavily complicated by severe logistical and diplomatic obstacles stemming from the Middle East conflict. Multiple members of Iran’s coaching and support staff were denied entry visas to the United States. Furthermore, the FFIRI petitioned FIFA to “uphold the principles of neutrality, fairness, and established rules” after the team’s official ticket allocation was abruptly revoked the day before the tournament kicked off.

As a consequence of these restrictions, Iran was forced to relocate its tournament base camp from Arizona to Tijuana, Mexico. The team remains bound by strict transit protocols; their restrictive visas permit entry into the United States only 24 hours prior to a match, requiring an immediate departure on the same day after playing.

The stringent travel mandates prompted head coach Amir Ghalenoei to label Iran the “most oppressed” squad at the tournament following their opening match against New Zealand.

However, U.S. authorities have signaled potential diplomatic flexibility ahead of the crucial final match against Egypt. Andrew Giuliani, the executive director of the White House’s World Cup Task Force, confirmed that formal discussions are underway regarding adjustments to Iran’s travel arrangements for the upcoming game in Seattle.