Iran’s national football team left a handwritten thank-you note in their locker room after a goalless draw with Belgium, paying tribute to victims of the Minab school bombing while thanking supporters and calling for peace.
The message was shared by Iran’s football federation after the Group G match at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on Sunday, June 21. The result kept Iran’s hopes of progressing to the World Cup knockout stage alive.
Message of gratitude
“We came to Los Angeles with pride, competed with honour, and leave with dignity,” the note read.
The players also thanked supporters for backing the team throughout the tournament.
“From the ancient Persia of thousands of years ago to the civilised Iran of today, the spirit of Iran remains alive and steadfast,” the message said.
It concluded with a call for “peace, respect and friendship” among all nations.
Included in the note were the hashtags #168 and #Minab, references to a school bombing in the southern Iranian city of Minab during the ongoing conflict involving the United States and Iran.
The strike hit Shajareh Tayyebeh Elementary School on February 28. Iranian authorities said more than 175 people, including pupils, teachers and school employees, were killed in the attack.
Travel restrictions
Iran have played both of their Group G matches in Los Angeles, opening their campaign with a 2-2 draw against New Zealand before holding Belgium to a stalemate.
The team have been based in Tijuana, Mexico, throughout the tournament and have travelled across the border for matches because of restrictions limiting the duration of their stay in the United States.
Several members of the Iranian delegation, including officials and support staff, were also reportedly denied visas.
Head coach Amir Ghalenoei has repeatedly criticised the restrictions, saying his players have faced circumstances unlike those encountered by any other side at the tournament.
Focus turns to Egypt
Political divisions among supporters were visible at SoFi Stadium. Some fans waved the flag of the Islamic Republic, while others displayed the pre-1979 lion-and-sun flag associated with Iranian opposition groups.
Iran will now travel to Seattle for their final Group G fixture against Egypt, knowing that a positive result could secure a place in the knockout rounds.
