Iran left a handwritten message calling for global peace in their dressing room following a goalless draw against Belgium in their second Group G fixture at Los Angeles Stadium at the FIFA World Cup 2026.

The note, released by the Football Federation of Iran (FFIRI), 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," the message continued, also thanking the city for its hospitality and expressing gratitude to every Iranian fan who supported the team across their two Los Angeles appearances.

The note concluded with the message: "May peace, respect and friendship prevail among all nations."

War and uncertainty in the background

Iran are competing at this World Cup while their country and the United States — one of the tournament's three co-hosts alongside Canada and Mexico — remain in active negotiations to end their war. The message also referenced an attack on a girls' school in Minab, where at least 168 people were killed on the first day of the conflict.

Their participation has been overshadowed by off-pitch difficulties from the start. Multiple key members of Iran's backroom staff were denied US entry visas, while the FFIRI publicly called on FIFA to "uphold the principles of neutrality, fairness, and established regulations" after the squad's ticket allocation was revoked on the eve of the tournament.

Iran subsequently relocated their World Cup base from Arizona in the US to Tijuana in Mexico, and operate under strict travel restrictions. Under the terms of their visas, they are permitted to enter the US only one day before a match and must depart the country on the same day the game is played.

Those conditions prompted head coach Amir Ghalenoei to describe Iran as the "most oppressed" team at the tournament after their opening 2-2 draw with New Zealand.

What comes next

Iran's third and final Group G match is against Egypt in Seattle on 27 June (04:00 BST). Andrew Giuliani, executive director of the White House's World Cup taskforce, has confirmed that "discussions are going on" regarding the travel timings for that fixture, suggesting some flexibility may yet be applied to the restrictions Iran face.