Iran leaves a handwritten note after the draw in Egypt saying fair play is the soul of football

Iran left a note in the dressing room after a 1-1 draw with Egypt on Friday, thanking Seattle for its hospitality during the World Cup and appearing to express disappointment at the result that left its place in the knockout stages in limbo.

Iran appeared to have automatically booked their place in the round of 32 when Shoja Khalilzadeh scored in stoppage time, sending fans in the stands into delirium.

Moments later they were left heartbroken as the goal was ruled out for offside following a VAR review.

“Maybe a team from a group can progress, but only through honesty and honor can one stand against history,” read the handwritten message next to the Iranian Football Federation.

“Fair play is not just a rule in the rules of football, 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 entire beings for Iran,” it added.

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The team left a similar note in Los Angeles after drawing against Belgium in the second match. With three points in Group G, Iran must wait until the end of the group stage matches on Saturday to see if they are one of the eight third-placed teams to advance.

Iran had to travel from Mexico to the US for all its matches due to restrictions on movement imposed by Washington, although some restrictions were eased ahead of the match. Tensions between the two countries continue to simmer after months of war.

After the match against Egypt, Iranian coach Amir Ghalenoei and captain Mehdi Taremi did not mince their words in their criticism of the restrictions, with both calling the conditions “unfair”.

“I urge FIFA not to let the hosts treat players and teams the same way in future World Cups,” Ghalenoei said.

Published on June 27, 2026