The Iranian soccer team participating in the 2026 FIFA World Cup recently caught everyone’s attention when they left a “thank you” letter for Los Angeles.
The team, which has based its training camp in Mexico due to recent hostilities between the United States and Iran, left a handwritten note in its locker room after a 0-0 draw against Belgium in a Group G match on Sunday.
The Football Federation of Iran (FFIRI) later shared images of the letter, which carried a message of “peace, respect and friendship.”
The team thanked 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 strong.”
The team added that they arrived in Los Angeles with pride, competed with honor and left with dignity.
The Iranian soccer team also thanked the Iranian diaspora living in the United States for their continued support during the matches.
Due to tensions between both countries, the Iranian team has set up camp in Tijuana, Mexico and is allowed to travel to the US only for its match and is expected to cross US borders within the same day.
Previously, Iranian coach Amir Ghalenoei described that team as “the most oppressed in the World Cup” due to continuous travel.
