World Cup side thanks city for hospitality as travel restrictions continue to shadow campaign
LOS ANGELES: Iran left a handwritten message in their SoFi Stadium locker room on Sunday, thanking Los Angeles for its hospitality after a goalless draw against Belgium kept alive the team’s hopes of reaching the knockout stage of the FIFA World Cup.
The note, later released by the Iranian football federation, carried a message of pride, gratitude and resilience at the end of Iran’s second Group G match in Los Angeles. The team wrote that it had arrived in the city with pride, competed with honour and was leaving with dignity.
“From the ancient Persia of thousands of years ago to the civilised Iran of today, the spirit of Iran remains alive and steadfast,” the handwritten message said. It also thanked Iranian supporters for giving their “heart, voice and soul” during the team’s matches and ended with a call for peace, friendship and mutual respect among nations.
Iran has now played both of its Group G matches in Los Angeles, first drawing 2-2 with New Zealand and then holding Belgium to a 0-0 result. The draw kept Iran’s hopes intact ahead of its decisive final group game against Egypt in Seattle.
Restrictions continue to shape Iran’s World Cup campaign
Despite remaining in contention, Iran’s World Cup journey has been overshadowed by travel restrictions. The team has been based in Tijuana, Mexico, throughout the tournament and has commuted to the United States for matches because of limitations surrounding its stay in the country. In addition, several Iranian staff members and officials were reportedly denied entry.
Coach voices frustration over unequal treatment
Iran head coach Amir Ghalenoei has repeatedly criticised the restrictions, saying his side has faced challenges unlike any other team in the tournament. US officials have said the squad’s travel arrangements remain under review, while talks on easing some restrictions are still ongoing.
