On Sunday at the 'So. Fi' stadium, the Iranian national football team left a heartfelt message in their locker room, expressing gratitude to Los Angeles for its hospitality during the World Cup. The team emphasized leaving with dignity after maintaining their hopes of advancing to the knockout stages with a goalless draw against Belgium.
Los Angeles has hosted Iran’s group matches thus far, while the team has been based in Tijuana, Mexico, between the games.
The Iran team has spent the tournament in Tijuana, venturing to the United States for their matches due to restrictions on their stay in the country. Many Iranian coaching staff and officials faced entry bans.
U.S. officials stated that the team's travel arrangements remain under review, with ongoing discussions about easing some restrictions.
The handwritten message, shared by the Iranian Football Federation, read, "From ancient Persia dating back thousands of years to the civilized Iran of today, the spirit of Iran remains alive and strong."
It continued, "Thank you, Los Angeles, for your hospitality. We came to Los Angeles with pride, competed with honor, and leave with dignity."
The message also referenced children killed in the Minab School massacre, with a hashtag and the word 'Minab' alongside it.
Additionally, the message thanked Iranian fans who "gave their utmost" for the team during the matches, concluding with a call for peace, respect, and friendship among all nations.
Iranian coach Amir Ghalenoei criticized the travel restrictions imposed on the team, stating they faced challenges no other team had to endure.
A note from the Iran national football team in SoFi Stadium's locker room. These athletes have faced discrimination by their World Cup hosts for representing a nation that was attacked in an unprovoked war. Imagine how they'd have been treated if they had invaded another country pic.twitter.com/xfwxM8cQid
— Kourosh Ziabari (@KZiabari) June 22, 2026