FIFA World Cup. Iran locker room message after draw with Egypt goes viral |: Football News:

NEW DELHI: The Iran football team has once again won praise for a touching gesture off the field after their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group G match against Egypt in Seattle.After the 1-1 draw, which helped Egypt qualify for the knockout stage for the first time in their history, Iran’s players left a handwritten message in the dressing room thanking the hosts and promoting the values ​​of fair play and sportsmanship.

Iran’s message of fair play

The message, shared by Tasnim News Agency in X, focused on respect, honor and the true spirit of football.“We are from Iran… A land that, for thousands of years, has valued honor above victory. For us, football is more than a competition for results; it is a test of character. Maybe points can be won in many ways, but respect cannot. Maybe a team can advance from a group, but only through fairness and honor can a person stand tall in front of history. Fair play is not just a line of football 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 stands tall,” the note read.

Second message in both games:

This is the second time during the tournament that Iran has left a heartfelt note in the dressing room.After their goalless draw against Belgium at SoFi Stadium, the team thanked Los Angeles for its hospitality and reflected on their journey.“From ancient Persia thousands of years ago to the civilized Iran of today, the spirit of Iran remains alive and strong,” read the handwritten note, released by Iran’s football federation.“Thank you Los Angeles for your hospitality. We came to Los Angeles with pride, competed with honor, and left with dignity,” it concluded.

Egypt made history

In the field, Egypt took a historic place in FIFA World Cup knockout stage with a 1-1 card.Mahmoud Saber gave Egypt an early lead after Mohamed Salah’s effort was blocked by goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand.Iran had a chance to equalize from the penalty spot, but Mostafa Shobeir saved Mehdi Taremi’s spot-kick before Ramin Rezaeian leveled the scores. Rezaeian’s performance earned him the Player of the Match award.Iran thought they had found a dramatic winner in stoppage time, but the goal was ruled out for offside following a VAR review. Shobeir made another key save to preserve the draw and send Egypt to the knockout stage.