Iran’s Team Extends Gratitude After Historic Draws in Los Angeles
The Iranian national soccer side left a handwritten note at the entrance of SoFi Stadium that read, “Thank you, Los Angeles, for your hospitality,” a simple gesture that encapsulated a whirlwind few days for the team.
The note, shared by forward Ramin Rezaeian and the Iranian Soccer Federation, also thanked every Iranian who had turned out to cheer, and it carried a broader wish for peace, respect and friendship among all nations.
The two matches in Inglewood marked a historic milestone: Iran avoided defeat in its opening two World Cup group‑stage games for the first time, playing to two stalemates that were cheered loudly by a crowd that overwhelmingly supported the visitors despite occasional boos during the national anthem.
Protests against the Iranian regime punctuated the atmosphere, with some spectators voicing dissent, yet the overall sentiment among the local fan base remained one of admiration for the players’ resilience and composure.
After a brief stint of training in Carson and a night in a Manhattan Beach hotel, the squad will close out group play against Egypt at Seattle’s Lumen Field on Friday night, a fixture that will test whether the goodwill generated in Southern California can be carried forward.
The federation’s social media posts highlighted the team’s pride in competing with honor, emphasizing that the players left the United States with dignity intact and with a narrative that stretches from ancient Persian traditions to the modern game.