Iran's national football team left a handwritten letter in their World Cup dressing room following a 0-0 draw with Belgium, honoring the 168 victims—predominantly children—killed in a US airstrike on a school in Minab. The letter, discovered after the match at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, expressed gratitude to the host city and called for peace among nations.
Match Amid Tensions
The draw against Belgium gives Iran a chance to progress to the knockout rounds. The game took place under heightened tensions, with President Donald Trump warning he would "hit Iran very hard again" amid the ongoing conflict. Iran had previously shut down the Strait of Hormuz, accusing the US and Israel of breaching a ceasefire agreement.
The Iranian squad had already honored the victims upon their World Cup arrival, wearing pins bearing "#168" on their blazers. The airstrike occurred on February 28, hitting a girls' primary school in Minab, Hormozgan province. UN experts condemned the strike, stating, "A strike on a school represents a grave assault on children, on education, and on the future of an entire community. There is no excuse for killing girls in a classroom."
Letter Text and Tributes
The handwritten letter 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. May peace, respect and friendship prevail among all nations." The letter included the hashtags "#168" and "#Minab."
Travel Disruptions and Allegations
Before the match, US Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin alleged that someone impersonating Iran's Football Federation president Mehdi Taj—who has "direct ties" with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)—tried to board a plane to Los Angeles with the team but was stopped. The Iranian Football Association (FFIRI) called these allegations "falsehoods" and an attempt to sabotage their World Cup campaign.
Iran's manager Amir Ghalenoei revealed he has been forced to cut training sessions in half due to travel disruptions. The squad must leave the US immediately after fixtures and return to their headquarters in Tijuana, Mexico, instead of staying in hotels near the venue.
