Iran Leaves Handwritten Peace Note in SoFi Stadium Locker Room

Overview

• The Iranian team left a handwritten letter in the SoFi Stadium locker room after Sunday’s 0-0 draw with Belgium that thanked Los Angeles fans and closed with an appeal for peace, respect and friendship among nations.
• The federation published the message in English and it quickly circulated on social media, where supporters and international outlets highlighted its tone of dignity and patriotism.
• Iran has been based in Tijuana, Mexico, and returned there after each U.S. match because U.S. entry rules limited how long the delegation could stay on American soil.
• Several coaching staff and officials reported difficulties or were barred from entering the United States, a situation coach Amir Ghalenoei publicly criticized as harming the team’s preparation and recovery.
• Sportingly, Iran sits on two points after draws with New Zealand and Belgium, remains able to advance from Group G, and will next travel to Seattle to play Egypt while U.S. authorities say travel arrangements remain under review.