Iran football team leaves peace letter in Los Angeles amid World Cup visa challenges

The Iran national football team wrote a handwritten letter in English and left it in the Los Angeles locker room after their goalless draw with Belgium at the 2026 World Cup. The note thanked the city for its hospitality, expressed pride in competing with honor, and appealed for peace and friendship among nations.

Iran’s participation was complicated by visa difficulties. The squad was originally scheduled to stay in Arizona, but days before the tournament the team’s base was shifted to Tijuana, Mexico. Despite the logistical changes, the U.S. State Department issued the necessary entry documents for the athletes and support staff, aiming to avoid abuse of the visa system. The episode highlights broader migration restrictions that have affected other officials at the tournament, such as a Somali referee denied entry to the United States.

The incident underscores how sport can become a platform for diplomatic outreach, even as athletes navigate complex immigration policies.