"We came with pride, we leave with dignity": Iran thanks Los Angeles after heroic 0:0 against Belgium

At SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, the Iranian national football team left behind not only a 0:0 draw with Belgium and active chances for the knockout stage, but also a handwritten message. In the locker room, the team left a thank-you note to the city and the fans, expressing gratitude for the hospitality and emphasizing that they are leaving "with dignity" after their home matches in Group G.

Los Angeles has hosted both of Iran's group matches so far, while the team lives and trains at its base in Tijuana, Mexico. Due to imposed restrictions and the denial of entry into the US for some staff members and officials, the Iranian team is forced to travel across the border for every match and maintain a base outside the territory of the host nation.

US officials have indicated that the team's travel conditions will continue to be evaluated as talks regarding the possible easing of some restrictions are underway. Despite the complex logistics and the political background, the Iranians managed to remain undefeated after their first two matches of the World Cup.

In the handwritten note, published by the Iranian Football Federation, the players address the hosts with a poignant message: "From ancient Persia thousands of years ago to the civilized Iran of today, the spirit of Iran remains alive and unshakeable." The team thanked the city with the words: "Thank you, Los Angeles, for the hospitality. We came to Los Angeles with pride, we competed with honor, and we leave with dignity."

In the note, the Iranian team also extends special thanks to their supporters in the stands, emphasizing that they gave "their hearts, voices, and souls" during the two matches in Los Angeles. The message ends with a call for "peace, respect, and friendship" between all nations – a symbolic gesture against the backdrop of strained relations and the uncertainty surrounding Iran's participation.

Head coach Amir Ghalenoei has not been the first to criticize the travel restrictions imposed on his team. He emphasized that Iran has faced challenges "that no other team has had to deal with." Their participation in the World Cup was long in doubt due to the war with the US, and preparations were severely hampered by the cancellation of friendly matches by opposing teams.

Iran began its Group G campaign with a dramatic 2:2 draw against New Zealand at the same SoFi Stadium, and the 0:0 draw with Belgium against an opponent that finished the match with 10 men, kept the team in the fight for qualification. "I want to go back six months," said Amir Ghalenoei. "We were in war conditions for six months. Our league wasn't functioning. Many teams canceled the matches they were going to play against us. We came to the World Cup under the worst possible conditions."

Iran will play its final group stage match against Egypt in Seattle on Friday. Ghalenoei expressed hope that the team would be able to arrive in the city earlier, although travel conditions are still under review. A win over Egypt would send the Iranians to the knockout stage, but according to the coach, the team has already achieved something significant.

"The players who came to this World Cup in this state should be congratulated," he said. "We had the opportunity to win against Belgium, but I think this is a great achievement. We had less than 16 hours of training before the match. This will be written in the history of our football and future generations will read about what we achieved."