Iran football team leave note in tribute to dead schoolgirls after World Cup clash in Los Angeles

Iran's World Cup squad left behind a handwritten message in their changing room at SoFi Stadium following Sunday's goalless encounter with Belgium, paying tribute to the 168 individuals who perished in a US airstrike on a school in Minab.

The note was released by Iran's football federation after the result kept their tournament hopes alive ahead of a decisive Group G fixture against Egypt in Seattle.

Alongside expressions of gratitude towards Los Angeles, the letter prominently featured the hashtags "#168" and "#Minab" as a memorial to the victims, the majority of whom were schoolchildren killed when the strike hit in February.

The letter's full text read: "From the ancient Persia 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.

"Thank you, Los Angeles, for your hospitality."

It continued: "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."

The 180 minutes referenced the two matches Iran contested in Los Angeles, having previously drawn with New Zealand before facing Belgium.

The fixture unfolded against a backdrop of escalating hostilities between Washington and Tehran, with President Donald Trump posting on Truth Social that he would "hit Iran very hard again" amid the ongoing conflict.

This warning came after Iran shut down the Strait of Hormuz once more, accusing both the United States and Israel of breaching their ceasefire agreement.

Inside SoFi Stadium, sections of the crowd booed Iran's national anthem before kick-off, underscoring the charged atmosphere surrounding the encounter.

Iranian supporters present in Los Angeles offered their own tributes to those killed in Minab, with many displaying signs and calling for peace.

This marked the second occasion the Iranian squad had honoured the Minab victims, having worn pins displaying "#168" on their blazers upon arriving at the tournament.

UN experts condemned the 28 February strike on the girls' primary school in Hormozgan province, stating: "A strike on a school represents a grave assault on children, on education, and on the future of an entire community. There is no excuse for killing girls in a classroom."

The team has faced significant logistical challenges throughout the competition, with head coach Amir Ghalenoei revealing training sessions were halved due to travel disruptions.

Rather than staying in hotels near venues, the squad has been required to leave American soil immediately after matches, returning to their base in Tijuana, Mexico.

Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter