Iran leave emotional tribute in dressing room after Belgium match at World Cup 2026
Table of Contents
 |
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Iran left a handwritten message thanking Los Angeles after the Belgium draw.
- The note paid tribute to victims of the Minab school airstrike.
- Iran remain in contention for a place in the World Cup knockout stage.
The result marked Iran's second consecutive draw at the FIFA World Cup, following their opening stalemate against New Zealand.
With two points from two matches, Team Melli remain firmly in the race for a place in the knockout rounds.
Handwritten message left in dressing room
After the final whistle, a handwritten note was discovered in the Iranian dressing room.The message read:
From the ancient Persia thousands of years ago to the civilised Iran of today, the spirit of Iran remains alive and steadfast.The note also included the hashtags #168 and #Minab, a reference to the victims of the school airstrike in Minab earlier this year.
We came to Los Angeles with pride, competed with honour, and leave with dignity.
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.
May peace, respect and friendship prevail among all nations.
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
Tribute continues throughout tournament
The dressing-room message was not the first gesture made by the Iranian squad in memory of those affected by the tragedy.When the team arrived at the World Cup, players wore pins featuring #168 on their blazers as a sign of remembrance and solidarity.
The tribute has become a recurring symbol throughout Iran's campaign, with players and staff using the tournament stage to honour those they say were lost in the attack.
The 10 best 2026 FIFA World Cup home kits ranked
From Mexico to France, these are the 10 best home kits of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, ranked ahead of the biggest tournament in football history.
Read This Next →Challenging conditions for Iran
Iran's World Cup journey has been complicated by logistical challenges away from the pitch.Following their opening match against New Zealand, the squad were required to leave the United States immediately and return to their base in Tijuana, Mexico, rather than remain close to match venues.
Captain Mehdi Taremi previously expressed frustration over the travel arrangements, suggesting the situation had affected the team's preparation and recovery schedule.
Head coach Amir Ghalenoei also revealed that training sessions had been shortened because of travel disruptions.
Despite those obstacles, Iran have remained unbeaten through their opening two matches.
Ghalenoei delighted with Belgium performance
Speaking after the draw, Ghalenoei praised his players for their resilience.We came into the World Cup under the worst possible conditions.The Iranian boss described the display against Belgium as one of the team's strongest recent performances and insisted his side deserved recognition for remaining unbeaten.
And still we got a result against a great team and a great coach.
We had two great games without losing.
Tonight, we celebrate. Tomorrow, we focus on Egypt, which is a very strong team.
Knockout stage still within reach
Iran's draw against Belgium leaves them in a promising position heading into their final Group G fixture against Egypt.With qualification still in their own hands, the Persians have a genuine opportunity to progress to the Round of 32.
There is also a possibility of a high-profile knockout clash against the United States should results elsewhere align, although several outcomes would need to fall into place for that meeting to happen.
For now, Iran's focus remains on securing qualification, whilst their touching dressing-room message has provided one of the tournament's most memorable moments away from the action on the pitch.
Post a Comment