Iran squad leaves heartfelt letter in Los Angeles dressing room

Iran's national football team, which started the World Cup with two draws, left a handwritten heartfelt letter in the Los Angeles dressing room after their match against Belgium, thanking the city for its hospitality. On matchday 12, Argentina-Austria, France-Iraq, Norway-Senegal and Jordan-Algeria will take to the pitch. Lionel Messi has become the World Cup's all-time leading goalscorer following a hat-trick in the opening match.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup reaches matchday 12 on June 22, which will bring fans four exciting encounters. But before the first whistle blows, one of today's most striking stories has already been written, by Iran's national team.

Iran's letter from Los Angeles

Iran's national team sits on two points after two rounds, having drawn with both New Zealand and Belgium, both matches played in Los Angeles. After their match against Belgium, Iran's players left a handwritten message on the dressing room board for the whole world.

"From ancient Persia thousands of years ago to civilized Iran today. The Iranian spirit will not break and will remain steadfast," the letter reads. "We came to Los Angeles with pride, competed with honour and departed with dignity. We thank you, Los Angeles, for your hospitality. And we thank all Iranians who gave their whole heart, voice and soul for Iran during these 180 minutes. Let there be peace, respect and friendship among all nations."

It is worth recalling that the US granted Iran's delegation visas under special conditions: the players had to leave the country immediately after each match. Iran's training base is located in Tijuana, Mexico. Their third group match against Egypt will be played in Seattle.

Messi and today's matches

Argentina star Lionel Messi rose to become the World Cup's all-time leading goalscorer with a hat-trick in the opening match, surpassing Miroslav Klose's previous record of 16 goals. Today, Argentina and Austria meet in Los Angeles in the J group at 20:00 Estonian time.

Austria head coach Ralf Rangnick respectfully acknowledged the challenge on the eve of the match: "We have found very few weaknesses, if any, in Argentina's team. Their squad includes the best player who has ever existed." Yet he added: "We must prove that we are one of the best teams in this tournament."

Kylian Mbappé is two goals away from Messi's new record. France play Iraq today.

Fan celebrations and sideline stories

Norway fans have stood out at the World Cup with their distinctive "Viking rowing," which recalls the legendary Iceland clapping chant from Euro 2016 and has won over both American fans and viewers of videos circulating on social media.

Egyptian fans filled Vancouver's Granville Street following their country's first-ever World Cup victory, 3-1 over New Zealand. During the celebrations, Palestinian flags were also waved and chants of "Free Palestine" could be heard.

Belgian footballer Jeremy Doku left the World Cup to be present at his child's birth, which drew sharp criticism. According to French journalist Clément Garin, his compatriot France Pierron was sacked, having been among the loudest critics.