Iran's final dressing room note has been revealed, following the team's elimination from the 2026 World Cup.
The Middle Eastern side finished as the ninth-best third-place team, meaning they fell short of qualifying for the knockout stages of the tournament. Iran exited the World Cup after drawing all three of their Group Stage matches, with a stoppage-time goal against Egypt in Seattle ruled offside.
However, the side didn't leave without making one final dig at the US over allegations of unfair treatment, which comes months after President Donald Trump launched a joint attack on the country with Israel.
'True hosting is about respect, humanity and dignity'
The note began by thanking the Mexican city of Tijuana, where the Iranian team camp had to be based, writing: "To the noble people of Mexico and the beautiful city of Tijuana, thank you!
"You showed us that hosting a FIFA World Cup is about far more than stadiums and tickets. True hosting is about respect, humanity and dignity."
"We will never forget the kindness of the people of Tijuana. From this day forward, Mexico will always be more than a host nation to us; it will be our second home and our second team."
The team then went on to question their treatment throughout the tournament, asking if the rules applied 'equally' to all teams in the tournament.
'History will judge who genuinely welcomed Iran’s presence at this World Cup'
"What we experienced was a series of decisions, logistical arrangements, and circumstances that undermined the sense of fairness – an impression only reinforced by the events of the final matchday of our group.
“Perhaps one day history will judge who genuinely welcomed Iran’s presence at this World Cup, and who would have preferred our journey to end much sooner.
"For us, fair play is not a slogan printed on advertising boards; it is the very identity of football. Yet this tournament reminded us that there is still a significant distance between inspiring words and meaningful actions," the note continued.
'The honour of nations becomes part of human history'
"We leave Tijuana believing that football fans around the world witnessed not only the hardship endured by Iranian football, but also the resilience of a nation that refused to trade its dignity, horror, and values despite every challenge.
"And we will never forget that those who celebrated Iran’s elimination were the same people who had previously celebrated the suffering and loss of innocent Iranian lives. That alone reveals the difference in how humanity is understood.
"World Cups come to an end. Administrators change, but civilisations such as Iran, Egypt and Mexico – built upon truth, respect, and human dignity – endure through history.
"Match results become part of football history. The honour of nations becomes part of human history. With respect, Iranian National Team."
Iran's time at the World Cup was overshadowed by a shaky ceasefire with the US.
The team was forced to return to their training camp in Mexico after matches in the States, leading head coach Amir Ghalenoei to claim his side were treated 'unfairly' by the US.
"To my players and the team, I want to say to them I'm proud of them. What these young people, these players have done, it should be written in history because the host country treated us very unfairly," Ghalenoei said after the match against Egypt in Seattle.
"Despite all of these problems, we've been able to perform well and the world is proud of Iranians and our team."
The Iranian national team has yet again left a hand written note in the dressing room after their final group game against Egypt.
Iran drew 1-1 in their third World Cup match after a VAR decision ruled out a Shojae Khalilzadeh goal at the very end.
It means Egypt finishes second in the group while Iran now have to wait for at least one of three results between Algeria, Croatia and Congo DR to go their way to qualify for the knockout stage.
Belgium, meanwhile, thumped New Zealand 5-1 to go top of Group G on goal difference.
Now, due to the ongoing conflict with the US, Iran has been forced to return to their training camp in Tijuana, Mexico, immediately after matches.
And on the day of the Egypt game on Friday night (26 June), the US fired radar, drone and missile sites in response to what Donald Trump called a ‘foolish’ ceasefire violation by Iran on Thursday.
After the match, the national team left a heartfelt note in their locker room, which read: “We come from IRAN…
“From a land that, for thousands of years has placed honor above victory.
“For us, football is not only a competition for results, it is a test of character.
“Perhaps points can be won in many ways, but respect cannot.
Perhaps a team can advance from a group, but only through fairess and honor can one stand tall before history.
“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. IRAN, always standing tall.”
It comes after Iran’s other note following their second group game against Belgium, ending 0-0.
The note, released by the Iranian Football Federation and widely shared on social media, begins by referencing the nation's long history, reading: "From the ancient Persia of thousands of years ago to the civilised Iran of today, the spirit of Iran remains alive and steadfast.
'We came to Los Angeles with pride, competed with honour, and leave with dignity," the note continued. "Thank you Los Angeles for your hospitality.
"And thank you to every Iranian who gave their heart, voice and soul for Iran throughout these 180 minutes.
"May peace, respect and friendship prevail among all nations."
Featured Image Credit: Al Sermeno/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images
The Three Lions defeated Panama 2-0 in New Jersey on Saturday, with goals from Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane rescuing what was shaping up to be another frustrating match.
As a result of the three points, England have secured their knock-out stage pathway and have managed to avoid a host of top contenders, who are on the other side of the bracket.
Thomas Tuchel now knows what his side's route to the final, a hopeful return to the MetLife Stadium on July 19, looks like.
Having won the group, England have dodged an immediately tricky tie with either old foes Portugal or Colombia.
Cristiano Ronaldo's side knocked England out of the 2006 World Cup and Euro 2004, while Gareth Southgate led England to a penalties triumph over Colombia in 2018.
This will instead be the route taken by Croatia, who finish in second after beating Ghana 2-1 over in Philadelphia. Meanwhile, Ghana will also qualify for the round of 32, finishing as one of the top eight third-placed teams.
Instead, England will take on one of the eight best third-placed teams.
England won't know their opponents for certain until the group stage concludes in the early hours of Sunday morning but as things stand, it looks as though the Three Lions will most likely face Senegal.
Other potential ties include: Ecuador, Algeria and DR Congo all remain possibilities
- Date: Wednesday, July 1
- UK kick-off: 5pm
- Venue: Atlanta Stadium
England will either play Mexico or one of the other third-placed sides if they advance to the last 16.
Though that might look good on paper, it would be anything but easy.
The game is taking place in Mexico City, for starters, which stands at 7,350 feet above sea level and means the high altitude and thinner air could have a significant impact.
That would be a factor regardless of who England play, but taking on co-hosts Mexico in their home of the Azteca would make it even tougher.
El Tri are undefeated in nine World Cup games at their gigantic stadium, and have lost just twice there EVER. The last coming in 2013.
That's a banana skin in the making.
- Date: July 6
- UK kick-off: 1am
- Venue: Azteca
England's possible quarter-final
If England survive the heights of Mexico City, then they'll have the joys of the Floridian humidity and heat to contend with afterwards in Miami.
By this point, it's challenging to predict with 100 per cent accuracy which teams will still be left standing but, should the favourites progress, England would play Brazil in the last eight,
- Date: July 11
- UK kick-off: 10pm
- Venue: Miami Stadium
Again, if the most likely team makes it to the semi-final (and if England themselves are still going by this point, fingers crossed), then it could well be fierce rivals Argentina that await.
Lionel Messi is touching 40 but still dazzling at the tournament, but England have defeated Argentina more than any other team at the World Cup.
- Date: July 15
- UK kick-off: 8pm
- Venue: Atlanta Stadium
The World Cup final
If England makes it all the way to the final, then there will be pandemonium on every street up and down the land.
There are a host of likely opponents, with France, Spain, Germany, the Netherlands, Morocco and Portugal all on the other side of the draw and hoping to make it to New Jersey.
- Date: July 19
- UK kick-off: 8pm
- Venue: MetLife Stadium, New Jersey
0 commentaires:
Enregistrer un commentaire