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Iran Football Team Leaves Locker Room Message of Peace and Dignity
🇰🇷 South Korea /Sports

Iran Football Team Leaves Locker Room Message of Peace and Dignity

From Dong-A Ilbo · () Korean

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Context piece
  • The Iranian national football team left a message of peace and dignity in the locker room after their match in Los Angeles.
  • The team has faced difficulties with strict U.S. visa regulations during the World Cup qualifiers.
  • The message expressed gratitude for the hospitality and wished for peace, respect, and friendship among all nations.

The Iranian national football team has left a poignant message of peace and dignity in their locker room following their match in Los Angeles, highlighting the challenges they've faced due to political tensions and stringent U.S. visa regulations. The team, competing in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, found themselves under significant pressure, with limited time in the United States.

From ancient Persia thousands of years ago to today's civilized Iran, the spirit of Iran remains alive and strong.

— Iranian National Football TeamThe opening line of the peace message left in the locker room.

According to foreign media reports, a handwritten note emphasizing peace was discovered at the Los Angeles Stadium after Iran's game against Belgium. Iran played their first two group stage matches in Los Angeles before heading to Seattle for their final match against Egypt. The team's itinerary required them to return to Tijuana, Mexico, after each game, severely limiting their preparation and recovery time.

We came to Los Angeles with pride, competed honorably, and leave with dignity.

— Iranian National Football TeamExpressing their sentiment after competing in Los Angeles.

Iranian coach Amir Ghalenoei had previously voiced concerns about the visa issues and the lack of adequate preparation time, describing the team's situation as difficult. The Iranian Football Federation also indicated it was considering a formal complaint to FIFA regarding the U.S. entry restrictions. The locker room message indirectly reflected these ongoing struggles.

We thank Los Angeles for its hospitality and all Iranians who dedicated their hearts, voices, and souls for Iran during these 180 minutes.

— Iranian National Football TeamAcknowledging support and thanking the host city and fans.

The note began by stating, "From ancient Persia thousands of years ago to today's civilized Iran, the spirit of Iran remains alive and strong." It continued, "We came to Los Angeles with pride, competed honorably, and leave with dignity. We thank Los Angeles for its hospitality and all Iranians who dedicated their hearts, voices, and souls for Iran during these 180 minutes." The message concluded with a universal wish: "May peace, respect, and friendship prevail among all nations."

May peace, respect, and friendship prevail among all nations.

— Iranian National Football TeamThe concluding wish of the message.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Dong-A Ilbo in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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