Iran’s national football team played Belgium to a 0-0 draw at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on June 21, 2026. What happened after the final whistle, though, got more attention than anything that happened on the pitch.
The Iranian squad left a handwritten note in their locker room. It thanked the host city, referenced thousands of years of Persian civilization, and called for peace between nations. The message spread rapidly across social media, turning a routine group-stage result into a moment of unexpected diplomacy.
What the note said
The Iranian Football Federation shared photos of the note via Telegram and other platforms. The message read: “From the ancient Persia of thousands of years ago to the civilised Iran of today, the spirit of Iran remains alive and steadfast. We came to Los Angeles with pride, competed with honour and leave with dignity. Thank you, Los Angeles for your hospitality.”
The note’s emphasis on dignity and hospitality also carried subtext that was hard to miss. Iran’s squad had been dealing with logistical challenges throughout the tournament, with the team based in Tijuana, Mexico, rather than in the US itself. Their first two group matches were played in Los Angeles, meaning the players were crossing the border to compete. That context makes the gracious tone of the message all the more striking.
