Iranian World Cup team leaves message behind after surprise draw with Belgium

Iran goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand (1) embraces teammate Iran forward Mehdi Taremi (9), wearing Belgium midfielder Hans Vanaken (20) jersey, after the team’s draw at SoFi Stadium on Sunday.

Iran's national football team left behind an emotional handwritten note in their dressing room at SoFi Stadium after their 0-0 FIFA World Cup 2026 draw against Belgium, thanking Los Angeles for its hospitality while paying tribute to victims of the ongoing Iran-US-Israel conflict through the hashtags #Minab and #168.

While few expected Team Melli to emerge as serious contenders in Group G, they have quietly put together an unbeaten run that has caught the attention of both football fans and social media users around the world.

The Liverpool forward got his name on the scoresheet as his nation defeated New Zealand 3-1 in what was a historic first-ever World Cup triumph for the Egyptians.