‘We came to Los Angeles with pride, competed with honor’: Defiant Iran leave handwritten note about ‘dignity’ after Belgium draw in FIFA World Cup | Football News


'We came to Los Angeles with pride, competed with honor': Defiant Iran leave handwritten note about 'dignity' after Belgium draw in FIFA World Cup
Iran team’s handwritten note (left) and Belgium’s Alexis Saelemaekers, left, challenges Iran’s Ehsan Hajisafi during the World Cup Group G football match between Belgium and Iran in Inglewood, California, near Los Angeles, Sunday, June 21, 2026. (AP Photo)

Goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand made seven saves as Iran and Belgium played out a 0-0 draw in their FIFA World Cup match on Sunday. Iran could not find a way past Belgium even after the Red Devils were reduced to 10 players in the second half.The result keeps Iran’s hopes of reaching the knockout stage alive.After the match at SoFi Stadium, Iran left a handwritten note in their dressing room thanking Los Angeles for hosting them during the tournament. The note was later released by Iran’s football federation.Los Angeles has hosted both of Iran’s Group G matches so far. The team has been travelling back to its base in Tijuana between games.Iran have been based in Tijuana and commuting to the United States for matches because of restrictions related to their stay in the country. Several members of the team’s staff and officials have also been barred from entering.US officials have said the team’s travel arrangements continue to be reviewed, while discussions over easing some restrictions are ongoing.The note read: “From the ancient Persia of thousands of years ago to the civilized Iran of today, the spirit of Iran remains alive and steadfast.”It continued: “Thank you Los Angeles for your hospitality.”“We came to Los Angeles with pride, competed with honor, and leave with dignity.”The message also thanked Iranian supporters who gave their “heart, voice and soul” during the two matches and ended with a call for peace, respect and friendship among all nations.Iran, who drew 2-2 with New Zealand in their opening match at SoFi Stadium, will play their final Group G game against Egypt in Seattle.With two points from two matches, Iran know that a positive result against group leaders Egypt could be enough to secure a place in the knockout stage for the first time.



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