A handwritten, 74-word letter from the Iranian football team was discovered in their World Cup dressing room after a 0-0 draw against Belgium in their final group fixture. The result kept alive Iran's hopes of reaching the knockout stages for the first time in their history.
US Order to Leave Immediately
However, the team was ordered to leave the US immediately after the match, as they had been following their 2-2 draw with New Zealand. The match unfolded against a backdrop of heightened tension between the USA and Iran, with President Donald Trump threatening to "hit Iran very hard again" on Truth Social. This came as Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz once more, following accusations that the US and Israel had violated a recent ceasefire agreement.
Note References Minab Air Strike
The note made reference to the 168 people—the majority of them children—who lost their lives in a US air strike on a school in Minab, shortly after the US-led conflict with Iran commenced in February. The note read: "From the ancient Persia thousands of years ago to the civilised Iran of today, the spirit of Iran remains alive and steadfast. 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 [the two games Iran played in LA]. May peace, respect and friendship prevail among all nations," while also incorporating the phrases "#168" and "#Minab".
Second Tribute to Victims
This marked the second occasion on which the Iranian players paid their respects to the 168 victims. Upon their arrival at the World Cup, each player wore a pin bearing "#168" on their blazers. Iranian supporters in Los Angeles also sent their own tributes to those killed in the strike.
Tensions with US Authorities
There has been significant tension between the Iran team and US authorities. Ahead of the match against Belgium, Markwayne Mullin, the US homeland security secretary, claimed that an individual posing as Iran's Football Federation president Mehdi Taj, who allegedly had "direct ties" with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), attempted to board a flight to Los Angeles alongside the football team before being stopped. The Iranian Football Association (FFIRI) dismissed these claims as "lies" and an attempt to derail their World Cup campaign.
Travel Disruptions
Iran's head coach Amir Ghalenoei revealed he has been compelled to cut his training sessions in half as a consequence of the travel disruption his squad has been forced to endure. The team has also confirmed they have been required to depart the US immediately following matches and return to their base in Tijuana, Mexico, rather than being permitted to rest in hotels close to the stadium.
