Iran reportedly left a handwritten message in their dressing room at SoFi Stadium after Sunday’s 0-0 draw with Belgium at the 2026 World Cup, following weeks of complaints over the team’s travel arrangements and limited preparation time.
The note, which was shared by the Football Federation of Iran, reflected on the team’s history while referring to the country’s “spirit” and “dignity” and thanking supporters for backing the side.
It came after head coach Amir Ghalenoei again highlighted what he sees as a major issue during the tournament: the combination of US travel restrictions and the World Cup schedule.
Iran have been based in Tijuana, Mexico, during the tournament, meaning the squad has had to travel into the United States for its Group G fixtures in Los Angeles.
Ghalenoei has argued that the arrangement has significantly reduced the amount of time available for recovery and training.
Iran’s football federation had already said it intended to file a complaint with FIFA, arguing that the travel setup for the Belgium game created difficulties for the squad. The reported dressing-room message also appeared to strike a tone of goodwill toward others involved in the competition.
“From the ancient Persia of thousands of years ago to the civilised Iran of today, the spirit of Iran remains alive and steadfast,” the note read, which was shared by the Football Federation of Iran.
“We came to Los Angeles with pride, competed with honour, and leave with dignity. Thank you, Los Angeles, for your hospitality. And thank you to every Iranian who gave their heart, voice, and soul for Iran throughout these 180 minutes.
“May peace, respect, and friendship prevail among all nations.”
Earlier in the tournament, Ghalenoei described Iran as the most “oppressed” side at the World Cup, saying his squad had only half their usual preparation time before facing Belgium.
Per the Independent, the coach claimed: “We only managed to train half the time we usually spend on training. We wanted to have optimal physical and technical preparation.
“Look at the Belgium team,” he added. “They arrived yesterday noon. They’ve managed to have proper training.”
“The conditions have become even harder,” he claimed.
He also said the team had now been given the freedom to arrange its own travel plans for its final group match, but questioned why that option had not been available earlier.
He said: “For the third game, they’ve allowed us to decide to make our own decisions with regards to planning the travel. But what my problem is, why didn’t they let us come earlier for the first two games as well? If they’ve managed to do this now, why didn’t they do that for our first game and for this game?”