&imwidth=800&imheight=600&format=webp&quality=medium "FIFA World Cup 2026: Iran leave 'fair play' message in locker room after Egypt draw")
Iran’s football team left a heartfelt message in the Seattle locker room after their 1-1 draw against Egypt in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group G match, a result that secured Egypt’s place in the knockout stage for the first time in their history. The message, shared by Tasnim News Agency on X, highlighted the values of fair play, respect and honour. The team said respect is earned through honesty and sportsmanship, and that true success comes from playing with dignity. They also thanked the people of Seattle for their warm welcome and expressed gratitude to Iranian fans for their unwavering support.
"We come 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. Perhaps points can be won in many ways, but respect cannot. Perhaps a team can advance from a group, but only through fairness and honour can one stand tall before history. Fair play is not just a line in 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 standing tall," the note read.
This was the second time Iran left a note in a World Cup locker room. After their goalless draw against Belgium at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, they thanked the city for its hospitality and said they were leaving with pride, honour and dignity.
"From the ancient Persia of thousands of years ago to the civilized Iran of today, the spirit of Iran remains alive and steadfast," read the handwritten note, which was released by Iran's football federation, as quoted by Reuters.
"Thank you Los Angeles for your hospitality. "We came to Los Angeles with pride, competed with honor, and leave with dignity," it concluded.
Trending Stories
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
National Handloom Day 2026: From Alia Bhatt to Samantha Ruth Prabhu; Actresses who celebrated India's textile heritage as brides
)
The Royals enter the Doctor Who universe: King Charles and Queen Camilla beam into Commonwealth Games in TARDIS
)
Unitree Robotics targets $9 billion valuation in landmark IPO backed by DeepSeek and Tencent
)
India names 27 sites in Arunachal Pradesh
)
Bharat Bhhagya Viddhaata OTT: When will Kangana Ranaut's film stream online?
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
How many soldiers operate one S-400 battery?
)
Shakib Al Hasan ready to return to Bangladesh—under one condition
)
‘Fake news’: MEA rejects report claiming India sought defence pact with Israel after Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey deal
)
Rockstar to unveil GTA 6 extended look ahead of November launch
)
Russia forms Ukrainian Volunteer Spetsnaz Brigade to fight Ukraine
)
Drug-resistant fungus that hides in hair and enters bloodstream reported in 23 US states
)
Technology transfer deal boosts India's defence manufacturing ambitions
)
Border row erupts in Europe after Ceuta crossings, Spain imposes border controls on Italy
)
Morale plummets on USS Abraham Lincoln: Are US sailors reaching a breaking point? | GRAVITAS
)
'Security can't be bought with Pakistan, Turkey deal': Iran tells Saudi Arabia
)
Baba Vanga's 2026 prophecy: 2 predictions 'already came true', 3 terrifying ones remain. Details inside
)
Colombia’s new president Abelardo de la Espriella vows to ‘defeat narco-terrorists’, signals hardline shift
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
New Friday OTT releases (August 7, 2026): Operation Safed Sagar, Vadhandhi, Main Vaapis Aaunga- 6 movies and TV shows on Netflix, Prime Video and more
)
Squadron Leader Bhawana Kanth scripts history as Indian Air Force gets its first woman ‘Top Gun’ pilot
)
RSS says Gen Z protests reflect genuine distress
)
Trump says Iranian school bombing photos could be AI-generated - 'I don’t think...'
)
IAF officer held for sharing sensitive information in 'honey trap' case, booked under Official Secrets Act
)
Stray Kids under scrutiny? Fans react to Grammy submission silence after BTS boycott
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why the Su-30MKI doesn't need external fuel tanks to fly vast distances
)
Jugal Hansraj reunites with Shekhar Kapur after 40 years for Masoom: The Next Generation
)
New speed limits, automatic challans: Big traffic change coming to Delhi-Meerut Expressway. All you need to know
)
India officially names 27 places in Arunachal to counter China's renaming claims
)
Trump calls White House ballroom ruling a 'national disgrace' as court says Congress approval needed
)
US sanctions Iran’s crypto network after Strait of Hormuz attacks, offers $15m bounty for intel on IRGC finance
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why the Su-30MKI is one of the heaviest fighters ever built
)
Uttarakhand young innovator builds India's own flying vehicle, conducts first test flight: WATCH
)
Chilling video shows students take cover as teen opens fire at Thai school
)
Reese Witherspoon's father hospitalised after poolside incident in Nashville: Report
)
Watch FIFA World Cup 2026 Live on Zee5 Photograph: (WION)
During the match against Egypt, Mahmoud Saber gave Egypt an early lead after finishing from close range following a save by Iran goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand. Iran had a chance to equalise soon after, but Mehdi Taremi’s penalty was saved by Egypt goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir.
Iran eventually levelled the score through Ramin Rezaeian, who scored from a tight angle after reacting quickly inside the penalty area. Shobeir made several important saves throughout the game to keep Egypt in the match.
Iran pressed for a late winner, but a stoppage-time goal was ruled out for offside following a VAR review. Shobeir then made another crucial save to help Egypt secure the 1-1 draw and a historic place in the knockout stage. Rezaeian was named Player of the Match for his impressive performance.
With inputs from agencies
