In late June 2026, after Iran's men's soccer team played a World Cup match against Belgium at Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood, California, an image spread (archived) online purportedly showing a message the team left in the locker room. The photograph showed a handwritten letter on a large sheet of paper calling for peace and thanking the city of Los Angeles for its hospitality.
The message read:
From the ancient Persia of thousands of years ago to the civilized Iran of today, the spirit of Iran remains alive and steadfast.
#168 #minab
We came to Los Angeles with pride, competed with honor, and leave with dignity.
Thank you, Los Angeles, for your hospitality.
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.
(Image via FFIRI)
The above image was released by Iran's football federation, FFIRI, through its official Telegram channel and on its website. As such, we rate this claim as true.
Snopes also reached out to FIFA and stadium (usually known as SoFi Stadium) for comment. We will update this post if we get more information.
The FFIRI's official website posted the photograph (archived) alongside an article that noted how Iran left an "emotional" message about the missile attack on a girls school in Minab, Iran, in February 2026. The hashtag #168 referred to the number of schoolchildren killed in the attack. The U.S. has not taken responsibility for the attack, despite evidence it was a U.S. strike that leveled the school.
The Iranian team also wore "#168" pins on their uniforms upon arriving in Tijuana, Mexico. The soccer team was based in Tijuana and commuted to the U.S. for its games due to the U.S.-imposed travel. A number of Iranian soccer staff and officials were also denied visas. Iran's coach has criticized these restrictions, saying the team faced challenges no other side had to endure.
After the June 21 match against Belgium, U.S. officials announced that the team would be granted an extra day in the country before their next match to help them prepare.
Iran is not the only team that left a dressing-room message. The Jordanian team left behind sweets and a thank-you note in the San Francisco area, and the Curaçao left a thank-you message on their locker room whiteboard in Kansas City.
Snopes has previously reported on the missile attack that struck the girls school, as well as the U.S. missile fragments found at the scene.