An image posted by the Iranian Embassy in Armenia shows the ‘Thank you’ note left by the Iran football team in its locker room in Seattle. | Photo Credit: X/Iraninyerevan

Iran left a note in its locker room following a 1-1 draw with Egypt on Friday, thanking Seattle for its hospitality during the World Cup, and appeared to express disappointment over the result that left its place in the knockout stage in limbo.

Iran seemed to have booked an automatic spot for the round of 32 when Shoja Khalilzadeh netted the ball in stoppage time, sending supporters in the stands into a delirium.

It was left heartbroken moments later, as the goal was ruled out for offside after a VAR review.

“Perhaps a team can advance from a group, but only through fairness and honour can one stand tall before history,” the handwritten message by the side and released by Iran’s football federation read.

“Fair play is not just a line in football’s rules, it is the soul of the game.”

“Thank you, Seattle, for your hospitality and thank you to all Iranians... who gave their hearts, their voices and their whole being for Iran,” it added.

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The team left a similar note in Los Angeles following its draw with Belgium in its second game. With three points in Group G, Iran has to wait until the end of group-stage games on Saturday to see if it is one of the eight third-best-placed teams to advance.

Iran had to travel from Mexico to the U.S. for all its games due to the restrictions on its movement imposed by Washington, although some restrictions were eased ahead of the game. Tensions between the two countries continue to simmer following a months-long war.

After the game against Egypt, Iran coach Amir Ghalenoei and captain Mehdi Taremi minced no words in their criticism of the restrictions, with both calling the conditions “unfair”.

“I urge FIFA: don’t let hosts treat players and teams the same way in future World Cups,” Ghalenoei said.

Published on Jun 27, 2026