Iran's players left a handwritten note of peace in their dressing room at Los Angeles Stadium following a goalless draw against Belgium in Group G of the FIFA World Cup 2026.

The Football Federation of Iran (FFIRI) released the full text of the message, which 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 note continued. "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."

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

The note also referenced an attack on a girls' school in Minab, where at least 168 people were killed on the first day of the war between Iran and the United States.

A team competing under extraordinary pressure

Iran's World Cup campaign has been overshadowed by the ongoing conflict between their country and the United States — one of the three co-hosts of this tournament alongside Canada and Mexico. The two nations are currently in negotiations to end the war.

Several 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to "uphold the principles of neutrality, fairness, and established regulations" after the squad's ticket allocation was revoked on the eve of the tournament.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 relocated their World Cup base from Arizona to Tijuana, Mexico, and operate under strict visa conditions that allow them to enter the US only 24 hours before a match and require them to depart the same day the game is played.

Head coach Amir Ghalenoei described Iran as the "most oppressed" team at the tournament after their opening 2-2 draw with New Zealand, also played at Los Angeles Stadium.

Andrew Giuliani, executive director of the White House's World Cup taskforce, has since confirmed that "discussions are going on" regarding flexibility in Iran's travel arrangements for their final group fixture.

Iran face Egypt in Seattle on 27 June (04:00 BST) in their third and decisive Group G match, with the result likely to determine whether they advance from the group stage.