Iran's World Cup team left a handwritten note calling for peace in their dressing room at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on Sunday, after securing a draw against Belgium in their second group match. The note, which referenced the bombing of a school in Minab, Iran, on February 28, where reports said 168 people were killed, expressed gratitude for the hospitality of Los Angeles and called for peace, respect, and friendship among all nations.
Group Stage Performance
Iran drew against New Zealand last Monday and secured a further point against Belgium on Sunday, cheered on by an LA crowd packed with members of the Iranian diaspora. Sitting second in Group G after two games, they remain well poised to progress through the group stage. The team will play their final group match against Egypt in Seattle on Friday.
Peace Message and Context
The handwritten note read: “From the ancient Persia of thousands of years ago to the civilised Iran of today. The spirit of Iran remains alive and steadfast. #168 #Minab. 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.” The hashtags refer to the bombing of the Minab school, which occurred during ongoing US-Iran peace talks.
Fan Reactions and Political Tensions
Many Iranians in the US fled before the Islamic revolution in 1979 or are the children of those that did. While support for the team was strong in the stadiums, there were anti-regime protests outside and pre-revolution ‘Lion and Sun’ flags waved inside, despite a FIFA ban on them. Iran have complained about their treatment by US authorities during the World Cup, including tough conditions on the amount of time they can spend in the country. Iran’s coach Amir Ghalenoei said last week they were the “most oppressed” team at the World Cup.
Training Base Move
Iran moved their training base from the US to the Mexican border city of Tijuana last month. Talks continue towards a peace deal between Iran and the United States, which alongside Israel first launched airstrikes on Iran in February.
