Iran left a message in their SoFi Stadium locker room on Sunday, thanking Los Angeles for its hospitality during the World Cup and saying they are leaving with dignity after a 0-0 draw with Belgium kept alive their hopes of reaching the knockout stages.
Los Angeles hosted both of Iran’s Group G matches so far, with the team returning to their base in Tijuana, Mexico, between games.
The Iranian team has spent the tournament based in Tijuana commuting to the US for their matches because of restrictions surrounding their stay in the country, while a number of Iran’s team staff and officials have been banned.
US officials have said the squad’s travel arrangements would continue to be assessed, while discussions over easing some restrictions have continued.
“From the ancient Persia of thousands of years ago to the civilised Iran of today, the spirit of Iran remains alive and steadfast,” read the handwritten note, which was released by Iran’s football federation.
