Iran players leave handwritten tribute to 168 Minab victims in Los Angeles World Cup dressing room

The Iranian national football team left a handwritten letter in their dressing room at the 2026 World Cup in Los Angeles following a 0-0 draw with Belgium, paying tribute to the 168 people — the majority of them children — killed in a US air strike on a school in Minab shortly after the US-led conflict with Iran began in February.

The letter, discovered after the match, opened with a reflection on Iranian identity and resilience. “From the ancient Persia thousands of years ago to the civilised Iran of today, the spirit of Iran remains alive and steadfast,” it read. “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 letter closed with the hashtags “#168” and “#Minab”, making the tribute explicit.

The draw with Belgium keeps Iran in contention for the knockout stages of the tournament. The match was played against a charged political backdrop, with President Donald Trump having threatened to “hit Iran very hard again” — a statement made amid renewed tensions after Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz, accusing the US and Israel of violating a recent ceasefire.

This is not the first time the squad has publicly acknowledged the Minab victims. When the Iranian delegation arrived for the tournament, each player wore a pin on their blazer bearing the “#168” emblem — a gesture that drew widespread attention before a ball had been kicked.

The decision to leave the letter in the dressing room in Los Angeles — the city hosting their group-stage fixtures — adds a pointed geographical dimension to the tribute, given the US’s direct role in the strike the players are commemorating.