The Iranian soccer team participating in the 2026 FIFA World Cup recently caught everyone’s attention when they left a “thank you” letter to Los Angeles.
The team, which has based its training camp in Mexico due to recent hostilities between the US and Iran, left a handwritten note in their dressing room after the 0-0 draw with Belgium in the Group G match on Sunday.
The Football Federation of Iran (FFIRI) later shared images of the letter, which had a message of “peace, respect and friendship”.
The team expressed gratitude for the hospitality shown to them at the Los Angeles stadium: “Thank you, Los Angeles, for your hospitality.”
The letter further said, “From ancient Persia thousands of years ago to civilized Iran today, the spirit of Iran remains alive and steadfast.”
The team added that they came to LA with pride, competed with honor and left with dignity.
The Iranian football team also thanked the Iranian diaspora living in the United States for their continued support throughout the matches.
Due to tensions between both countries, the Iranian team has set up camp in Tijuana, Mexico and is only allowed to travel to the United States for their match, which is expected to reach the American borders within the same day.
Earlier, Iran head coach Amir Ghalenoei described the team as “most suppressed in the World Cup” due to sustained travel.
