Iran's Shoja Khalilzadeh (4) takes off his jersey and celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal, which was overturned as an offside, during the FIFA World Cup Group G football match between Egypt and Iran in Seattle, on Friday, June 26. AP/PTI
After offside row, Iran’s ‘fair play is soul of the game’ message
The late goal in Group G clash was called back by Video Assistant Referee (VAR) due to an offside, and Egypt advanced past the group stage
After Iran’s stoppage time “winning goal” against Egypt in FIFA World Cup 2026 on Friday (June 26) was disallowed due to an offside, the team left a note in the locker room on “fair play is soul of the game”.
Shoja Khalilzadeh ripped his jersey off before being mobbed by the entire Iran team after he fired a shot past Egypt goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir in the 93rd minute to seemingly give his side a winning 2-1 lead.
VAR rules offside
For a few joyous moments, Iran was convinced it had advanced to the knockout round at the World Cup for the first time in the expanded 48-team pool at this year's tournament.
Also read: FIFA World Cup 2026 knockout (Round of 32) teams, schedule
The potential late winning goal in Group G clash was called back by Video Assistant Referee (VAR) due to an offside, though, and Egypt advanced past the group stage.
Iran, will now have to wait one day to find out their fate after the two teams played to a 1-1 draw. Egypt will play Australia in the round of 32.
What Iran coach said
Iran coach Amir Ghalenoei lamented the third goal by his side waved off by video review in the tournament.
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“Technology is justice,” Ghalenoei said in Farsi, “But, I'm upset about our bad luck.”
After the match, Iranian players left a note in the locker room and thanked Seattle for its hospitality.
‘Standing tall’ message
The note read, "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."
Iran had left a similar note in the locker room after their match against Belgium which ended in a 0-0 draw in Los Angeles.
"From the ancient Persia of thousands of years ago to the civilized Iran of today, the spirit of Iran remains alive and steadfast. Thank you Los Angeles for your hospitality. "We came to Los Angeles with pride, competed with honor, and leave with dignity," read the handwritten note.