“Iran sends message of peace after draw with Belgium in the World Cup.”

A handwritten note calling for peace among all nations, left by the Iranian national team in the locker room of the Los Angeles Stadium, is making headlines and transforming the atmosphere of the World Cup. Following a goalless draw against Belgium in their second Group G match, Iran’s message is sending shockwaves through the competition and reigniting the debate about the impact of conflict in the Middle East on the biggest stage of international football.

The match between Iran and Belgium, held in Los Angeles, was marked not only by the scoreless result but also by the unique gesture from the Iranians. “May peace, respect, and friendship prevail among all nations,” wrote the Iranian team in a note left in the locker room and shared by the Football Federation of the Islamic Republic of Iran (FFIRI). The message continues: “From ancient Persia thousands of years ago to the civilized Iran of today, the spirit of Iran remains alive and unshakeable. We came to Los Angeles with pride, we competed with honor, and we leave with dignity. Thank you, Los Angeles, for your hospitality. And thank you to every Iranian who gave their heart, voice, and soul to Iran in these 180 minutes. May peace, respect, and friendship prevail among all nations.”


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The statement also refers to a tragic attack on a girls’ school in Minab, where at least 168 people died on the first day of the war, highlighting the deep connection between the sporting context and the dramas experienced in the country. This message takes on particular significance at a time when Iran is participating in the World Cup while delicate negotiations are underway to put an end to the war with the United States, the hosts of the tournament alongside Canada and Mexico.

The presence of Iran at the World Cup has been anything but smooth. The team had already drawn 2-2 with New Zealand in their opening match, also in Los Angeles, and is now preparing to face Egypt on June 27 in Seattle, which will be the final game of the group stage. However, the Iranian participation is shrouded in controversy and tension. Several key members of the coaching staff were prevented from entering the United States due to visa refusals, forcing the FFIRI to demand that FIFA “uphold the principles of neutrality, justice, and established regulations” after their ticket allocation was revoked on the eve of the tournament.

As a result of these restrictions, Iran was forced to move its base of operations from Arizona, USA, to Tijuana, Mexico, having to comply with extremely strict travel rules: they can only enter the US one day before matches and are required to leave the country on the day of the game. This situation led coach Amir Ghalenoei, after the draw with New Zealand, to assert emphatically: “We are the most oppressed team in this tournament.”

Meanwhile, Andrew Giuliani, the executive director of the White House task force for the World Cup, confirmed that “discussions are underway regarding the travel schedules of Iran for the match against Egypt,” indicating that the situation is far from resolved and may still lead to new developments in the coming weeks.

With all these conditions, Iran’s sporting performance is ultimately overshadowed by the complexity of the political and social context surrounding its participation. In addition to the call for peace, the Iranian team seeks to maintain focus on the pitch and secure a historic advancement to the next stage, despite all external adversities.

The upcoming match against Egypt will be crucial both in sporting terms and symbolically, potentially representing not only a continuation in the competition but also an opportunity to reinforce its global appeal for peace and respect among peoples. Behind the scenes, the world watches closely, aware that football, in the case of Iran, is currently being played well beyond the lines of the pitch.

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