The Iranian national team sent a powerful message following their 1-1 draw with Egypt in the third and final round of Group G matches for the 2026 World Cup, held in Seattle, USA.
After the match, which took place at Lummenfield Stadium on Saturday, social media and the Iranian news agency Tasnim circulated a picture of a handwritten message left by members of the Iranian delegation in the changing room.
The message focused on the values of honor, respect and integrity in football, going beyond just competitive results.
Under the title "Points are won in many ways, but respect is not," the Iranian national team described in its statement football as "more than just a quest for results," but rather "a true test of character."
The letter read: "We are from Iran, from a land where honor has always been preferred over victory for thousands of years. For us, football is not just a competition for results, but a test of character. Points may be scored in many ways, but respect is not earned in these ways."
She added, "A team may qualify from the group stage, but only with integrity and honor can it immortalize its name in history. Fair play is not just a clause in the laws of football, it is the spirit of the game."
The message continued: "Thank you, people of Seattle, for your hospitality, and thank you to all the Iranians who gave their hearts, voices, and souls for Iran. Iran, forever proud."
The Iranian team's performance against Egypt was marked by moments of frustration, most notably the cancellation of a late goal, but the focus after the match shifted towards this ethical gesture made by the players.
Iran finished their group stage campaign in third place in Group G with three points, and have a great chance of reaching the round of 32 as one of the top 8 third-placed teams.
