A message left behind in Inglewood
Iran’s players left a handwritten note in their dressing room at SoFi Stadium on Sunday after a 0-0 draw with Belgium kept their hopes of reaching the World Cup knockout stage alive.
The match, played in Inglewood in the Los Angeles area, was Iran’s second Group G fixture of the tournament. It ended without a goal, but the point kept Amir Ghalenoei’s side unbeaten after two matches.
According to The National, the message was released by Iran’s football federation after the match and thanked the city for the team’s reception.
“From the ancient Persia of thousands of years ago to the civilized Iran of today, the spirit of Iran remains alive and steadfast,” the note read.
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“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 who gave their “heart, voice and soul” during the team’s two matches in California, and ended with a call for peace, respect and friendship among nations.
Travel restrictions frame Iran’s campaign
Iran’s World Cup has been shaped as much by logistics as by football.
The squad has been based in Tijuana, Mexico, and has travelled into the United States for its fixtures. Both of Iran’s opening matches were played at SoFi Stadium before the team’s final Group G game against Egypt in Seattle.
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Al Jazeera and AFP reported in their article on Iran’s complaint to FIFA that Iran had asked to travel to Los Angeles two days before the Belgium match, but said the request was denied.
“The team will be allowed to come in, match day minus one, so the day before the match,” White House FIFA Task Force executive director Andrew Giuliani told CBS News. “They’ll be asked to leave the day that the match wraps up, so the evening of the match.”
Iran’s federation has criticised the arrangement, arguing that it has disrupted the team’s preparation and recovery. Several staff members and officials have also reportedly been denied visas.
Ghalenoei criticises uneven conditions
Ghalenoei has repeatedly criticised the restrictions, saying his players have had to deal with conditions not faced by other teams at the tournament.
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The issue first came to wider attention after Iran’s opening 2-2 draw with New Zealand, also at SoFi Stadium, when the squad was required to return to Mexico shortly after the match.
The Associated Press reported in its article on Iran’s off-field challenges that Iran’s complaints have continued throughout the tournament, including objections over travel between Mexico and the United States and the exclusion of some officials and staff.
Those tensions formed the backdrop to Sunday’s match against Belgium, where the football itself was only part of the story.
Iran stay alive on the pitch
On the field, Iran produced another disciplined performance.
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Belgium had more of the ball and created chances, but Iran goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand played a decisive role in securing the draw. Nathan Ngoy’s red card in the 66th minute gave Iran a numerical advantage, though neither side could find a winner.
ESPN reported in its match summary that Beiranvand made seven saves as Iran held 10-man Belgium to a goalless draw.
The result left Iran with two points from two matches, following their 2-2 draw with New Zealand. Belgium also moved to two points, keeping Group G open heading into the final round.
Support amid a divided atmosphere
The atmosphere around Iran’s matches has reflected the political weight carried by the team.
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At SoFi Stadium, some local Iranian supporters loudly booed the national anthem before the Belgium match, while most of the players chose to sing. Once the game began, however, the crowd largely rallied behind the team.
Iran now travel to Seattle for their final group-stage match against Egypt. After two draws, they remain in contention to reach the knockout rounds.
Their note in Inglewood captured the tone they wanted to leave behind: pride, restraint and a sense of dignity during a tournament defined by far more than results.
