‘We came to Los Angeles with pride, competed with honour’: Defiant Iran leave handwritten message of ‘dignity’ after Belgium draw at FIFA World Cup

A handwritten note by the Iranian team, left, and Belgium’s Alexis Saelemaekers, left, challenges Iran’s Ehsan Hajisafi during the Group GG soccer match between Belgium and Iran in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Sunday, June 21, 2026. (AP Photo) Goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand made seven saves as Iran and Belgium drew 0-0 in a World Cup match on Sunday. Iran could not find a way past Belgium even after the Red Devils were reduced to 10 men in the second half.The result keeps Iran’s hopes of reaching the knockout stages alive.After the game at SoFi Stadium, Iran left a handwritten note in their locker room thanking Los Angeles for hosting them during the tournament. The note was later released by the Iran Football Federation.Los Angeles has hosted both of Iran’s Group G matches so far, with the team traveling back to their base in Tijuana between matches.Iran is based in Tijuana and commutes to the United States for matches due to restrictions related to their stay in the country. Some team members and officials were also banned from entering.U.S. officials said the team’s travel arrangements remain under review while discussions are underway to ease some of the restrictions.The note read: “From ancient Persia thousands of years ago to today’s civilized Iran, the spirit of Iran remains alive and unwavering.”It continued: “Thank you Los Angeles for your hospitality.”“We came to Los Angeles with pride, competed with honor and left with dignity.”The message also thanked the Iranian supporters who gave their “heart, voice and soul” during the two matches and ended with a call for peace, respect and friendship between all nations.Iran, who drew 2-2 with New Zealand in their opening match at the SoFi Stadium, will play their final Group G match against Egypt in Seattle.With two points from two matches, Iran know that a positive result against group leaders Egypt could be enough to secure a place in the knockout stages for the first time.