Iran departed Los Angeles with their World Cup ambitions intact and a message of gratitude, holding Belgium to a hard-fought 0-0 draw on Sunday at Los Angeles Stadium thanks to a standout performance from veteran goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand.
The result left both teams on two points after two Group G matches and set up a decisive final round of fixtures, with Iran needing a positive result against Egypt national football team in Seattle to secure a place in the knockout rounds.
Before leaving Los Angeles, Iran's squad left a handwritten note in the Los Angeles Stadium locker room thanking the city for its hospitality and expressing pride in their campaign despite the challenges they have faced throughout the tournament.
"From the ancient Persia of thousands of years ago to the civilized Iran of today, the spirit of Iran remains alive and steadfast," the note read.
"We came to Los Angeles with pride, competed with honor, and leave with dignity."
