‘We came to Los Angeles with pride, we competed with honour’: Defiant Iran leave handwritten message of ‘dignity’ after Belgium draw at FIFA World Cup | Football news


'We came to Los Angeles with pride, we competed with honour': Defiant Iran leave handwritten message of 'dignity' after Belgium draw at 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 soccer match between Belgium and Iran in Inglewood, Calif., 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. FIFA World Cup game on Sunday. Iran could not find a way past Belgium even after the Red Devils were reduced to 10 men in the second half.The result keeps alive Iran’s hopes of reaching the knockout stage.After the game at SoFi Stadium, Iran left a handwritten note in his locker room thanking Los Angeles for hosting them during the tournament. The note was later released by the Iran Football Association.Los Angeles has hosted both of Iran’s Group G games so far. The team has traveled back to its home base in Tijuana between games.Iran is based in Tijuana and travels to the United States for games due to restrictions on their stay in the country. A few staff members and officials were also denied entry.U.S. officials said the team’s travel arrangements continue to be reviewed, while discussions are ongoing to ease some restrictions.The note read: “From ancient Persia thousands of years ago to today’s civilized Iran, the spirit of Iran remains alive and steadfast.”It continues: “Thank you Los Angeles for your hospitality.”“We came to Los Angeles with pride, we competed with honor and we left with dignity.”The message also thanked the Iranian fans 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 first game at the SoFi Stadium, will play their final Group G match against Egypt in Seattle.With two points from two games, Iran know that a positive result against group leaders Egypt could be enough to secure a place in the knockout stages for the first time.



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