Iran players leave handwritten note in dressing room after match against Egypt

The Iranian national team mentioned fair play being "the soul of the game" in a powerful handwritten note that was left in the dressing room following their final World Cup group stage game against Egypt.

As it stands, the unbeaten Iran have an 86.23% chance of reaching the round of 32, according to Opta.

Amir Ghalenoei's side sit third in Group G behind Egypt and leaders Belgium but after picking up three points, they are likely to make it through as one of the top third-place finishers.

A 1-1 draw against Egypt on Friday was seen by many as a positive result, especially after Ghalenoei's men came from behind following Mahmoud Saber's opener with just five minutes played in Seattle.

For a brief moment, it looked like Shoja Khalilzadeh had scored a late winner in the 93rd minute, but part of the 37-year-old's boot was deemed to be in an offside position in the build-up.

Shoja Khalilzadeh celebrates with teammates after scoring the team's second goal that was ruled offside following a VAR review. Image credit: Getty

It would have been a perfect ending to their group stage campaign but, after a result that failed to guarantee their passage to the knockout rounds, Iran still left a handwritten note in the dressing room.

The note read: “We come from Iran. From a land that, for thousands of years has placed honor above victory. For us, football is not only 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 honor can one stand tall before history. Fair play is not just a line in football’s rules, it is the soul of the game."

The letter continued: “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.”

Iran left a handwritten note in the dressing room after the clash against Egypt. Image credit: X

On the day of the Egypt game, the United States fired radar, drone and missile sites in response to what Donald Trump called a ‘foolish’ ceasefire violation by Iran on Thursday.

READ MORE: Why Iran fans booed and turned their back during national anthem against Egypt at World Cup

Iran also left handwritten note in dressing room after Belgium game

After their draw against Belgium on June 21, Iran left another note in the dressing room at Los Angeles Stadium.

It read: "From the ancient Persia of thousands of years ago to the civilised Iran of today, the spirit of Iran remains alive and steadfast.

'We came to Los Angeles with pride, competed with honour, 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."

As seen below, the note also references the deaths of 168 people who were killed after a missile strike back in February.

Fired during the opening day of the US war against Iran, the missile hit a primary school in the southern city of Minab, killing at least 120 children as well as teachers, parents, school staff and a technician from a nearby pharmacy.

Iran's handwritten note that was left in the dressing after their clash against Belgium. Image credit: IFF

Investigations carried out later suggested that the attack was likely carried out using a US-made Tomahawk missile.