'We Leave with Dignity': Iran’s Locker Room Note Steals Spotlight After Belgium Draw

Published 23 June 2026 · world

'We Leave with Dignity': Iran’s Locker Room Note Steals Spotlight After Belgium Draw Published By, Last Updated: June 23, 2026, 12:20 IST Iran thanked Los

'We Leave with Dignity': Iran’s Locker Room Note Steals Spotlight After Belgium Draw Published By, Last Updated: June 23, 2026, 12:20 IST Iran thanked Los Angeles in a locker note after a 0-0 draw with Belgium, praising fans and saying they “leave with dignity” amid travel restrictions. Rapid Read (Credit: X) Iran left a handwritten message in their SoFi Stadium locker room on Sunday, thanking Los Angeles for its hospitality during the World Cup and saying they are leaving “with dignity" after a 0-0 draw with Belgium kept their hopes of reaching the knockout stages alive. Los Angeles has hosted both of Iran’s Group G matches so far, with the team returning to its base in Tijuana, Mexico, between fixtures. The arrangement has meant repeated cross-border travel throughout the tournament, adding logistical strain but allowing Iran to remain active in the U.S.-based match schedule across the Los Angeles area venues.

🇮🇷 The Iran national team left a message asking for peace after their World Cup group-stage match against Belgium at Los Angeles Stadium.The handwritten note was discovered in the team’s dressing room following goalless draw with Belgium. ✍️ The message in full: “From the… pic.twitter.com/dwuI21yZei — Football Tweet ⚽ (@Footballtweet) June 22, 2026 Iran have effectively been based in Tijuana for the tournament, commuting into the United States for matches due to restrictions surrounding their stay in the country. Several team staff and officials have also been banned. At the same time, U.S. authorities have said the squad’s travel arrangements are still being assessed, with discussions to ease some restrictions ongoing, adding challenges to preparation and recovery routines. “From the ancient Persia of thousands of years ago to the civilized Iran of today, the spirit of Iran remains alive and steadfast," read the handwritten note released by Iran’s football federation.

It added, “Thank you Los Angeles for your hospitality. We came to Los Angeles with pride, competed with honor, and leave with dignity." The note also thanked Iranian supporters for giving their “heart, voice and soul" and ended with a call for peace, respect and friendship among all nations. Coach Amir Ghalenoei has repeatedly criticised the travel restrictions, saying the team has faced challenges no other side has had to endure. Iran drew 2-2 with New Zealand in their opener at SoFi Stadium and will play their final Group G match against Egypt in Seattle, still with qualification hopes alive. (with Reuters inputs) News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit About the Author Siddarth Sriram After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas.