Iran have made their feelings very clear with a strongly worded handwritten note following their World Cup exit. It is the third letter they’ve left across the pond, but while the previous two appeared well-natured, focussing on the positives of a tournament shrouded in controversy, Team Melli have now ditched that blissfully ignorant (or accepting) approach.

Amir Ghalenoei’s side drew all three of their Group G matches and finished as the ninth-best third-place team, with only the top eight advancing to the knockout stage. But issues surrounding their admirable efforts to make history and progress from the group stages for the first time undoubtedly played a role in them falling short of that milestone.

Geopolitical tensions undoubtedly contributed to the emotional strain on players and staff, many of whom left behind a homeland caught up in conflict involving the United States and Israel. Those challenges were compounded by logistical issues. Due to Donald Trump’s strict visa policies, Iran were required to travel more than any other team during the group stage, only being permitted to enter the US on the night before matches, with them immediately returning to their training base in Mexico afterwards.

Iran’s Final Handwritten Note is Their Most Honest Yet

Daniel Cole via Reuters

Days after leaving a shorter note to thank Los Angeles for hosting their clash with Belgium, Iran paid tribute to Mexico for taking them in at short notice. But they also complained that they were not fighting on a level playing field with other teams. The note, which was handwritten in black pen, read: “To the noble people of Mexico and the beautiful city of Tijuana, thank you! You showed us that hosting a FIFA World Cup is about far more than stadiums and tickets. True hosting is about respect, humanity and dignity.

“We will never forget the kindness of the people of Tijuana. From this day forward, Mexico will always be more than a host nation to us; it will be our second home and our second team.

It continued: “We leave Tijuana believing that football fans around the world witnessed not only the hardship endured by Iranian football, but also the resilience of a nation that refused to trade its dignity, horror, and values despite every challenge.

“And we will never forget that those who celebrated Iran’s elimination were the same people who had previously celebrated the suffering and loss of innocent Iranian lives. That alone reveals the difference in how humanity is understood.

“World Cups come to an end. Administrators change, but civilisations such as Iran, Egypt and Mexico – built upon truth, respect, and human dignity – endure through history. Match results become part of football history. The honour of nations becomes part of human history. With respect, Iranian National Team.”

Algeria 3-3 Austria Controversy That Denied Iran Qualification

Iran’s World Cup dream ended in dramatic and controversial fashion in the final Group J match between Algeria and Austria. Team Melli needed either side to win in Kansas City, with a draw enough to send both nations through at Iran’s expense. For long periods, that is exactly how the game appeared to be playing out, with neither side showing much urgency to break the deadlock despite a six-goal thriller unfolding.

The controversy centred on the knockout bracket. Had Algeria won the match, they would have leapfrogged Austria into second and been rewarded with a significantly tougher route through the tournament, starting with Euro 2024 winners Spain.

Finishing second, meanwhile, offered what many viewed as a more difficult path. As a result, some Iranian supporters questioned whether both teams were content with a draw once they realised the implications.

Those suspicions only intensified in stoppage time. Riyad Mahrez appeared to have ruined the script when he fired Algeria into a 3-2 lead in the 93rd minute, a goal that would have sent Iran through and forced Algeria onto the more difficult side of the bracket. Television pictures appeared to show some of his teammates reacting with frustration rather than celebration, before Austria equalised just three minutes later through Sasa Kalajdzic, bringing about speculation of ‘match-fixing’.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic was left concerned by the performance of one England player following Wednesday’s hard-fought 2-1 win over DR Congo.

Thomas Tuchel’s side survived a scare against the African nation at the Atlanta Stadium thanks to their talismanic captain Harry Kane, whose two second-half goals sealed a place in the last 16.

Brian Cipenga gave DR Congo a shock 1-0 lead in the seventh minute with a finish that beat England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford at his near post. England were then thwarted on several occasions by Lionel Mpasi, who produced a superb performance in between the sticks.

But with 15 minutes remaining, England were rescued by Kane, one of the leading contenders for the 2026 Ballon d’Or award. The Bayern Munich star secured the victory with a stunning winner in the 86th minute, setting up a daunting last 16 clash against joint-hosts Mexico at their famous fortress, the Azteca Stadium.

Zlatan Saw England Star ‘Struggling’

REUTERS/Jennifer Lorenzini

While Tottenham defender Djed Spence received criticism from fans and pundits alike for his unconvincing display, it was the performance of another England star that concerned former Sweden international Ibrahimovic.

Declan Rice played almost the entire game before he was subbed off in stoppage-time for John Stones. The all-action midfielder had a stint at right-back after Spence was subbed off but Zlatan believes the Arsenal man was “struggling” against DR Congo.

“We can discuss about details and that, but today I saw England suffering physically,” Ibrahimovic said on FOX Sports.

Indeed, Rice was seen icing his left hamstring after the final whistle, suggesting the 27-year-old is not in peak physical condition ahead of England’s toughest test so far, at altitude, on Sunday night.

Zlatan Questions England Expectation Levels

Reuters/Brett Davis

Zlatan also questioned the expectation levels currently placed on England, who haven’t won the World Cup since 1966.

“If you look at the history books, it was a long time ago that England won the World Cup,” the former Barcelona and Manchester United star said. “Is it a very good team, or a good team? That’s the question here.”

He added: “The fans are always very demanding, expecting a lot, especially the English media… but maybe they think highly about themselves and the reality is something else. You can only prove it in the big tournaments and by winning those trophies.

“Let’s see if Tuchel can do the mission impossible. I do believe the expectations are higher than what they really are.”

Rangers have held talks with Serie A side Bologna over a deal to sign midfielder Lewis Ferguson, according to Chris Jack.

The Ibrox club have already undergone a major summer of change, with Danny Rohl leaving for RB Salzburg and being replaced by Derek McInnes, while James Tavernier and Jack Butland have departed, and the club have brought in Lawrence Shankland, Ross McCrorie, Ivor Pandur, Ben Godfrey, and Dan Neil following another trophyless campaign.

But McInnes is desperate to add some more leadership to his squad and wants a Scottish core, and has now targeted a move to bring in someone very popular within the Ibrox walls.

Rangers Eyeing Lewis Ferguson Deal

Ferguson, who has been described as ‘incredible’, was a regular at Aberdeen before making the move to Italy, where he has become the captain of Bologna in his four years at the club and helped them to lift their first trophy in 51 years last season. He was also crowned Serie A midfielder of the year in the 2023/24 season.

He also played every single minute of Scotland’s disappointing World Cup campaign under Steve Clarke this summer, and it’s understood that the midfield star is very open to a move to Rangers and back to his homeland.

Ferguson is well known at Ibrox, with his uncle being legendary midfielder Barry Ferguson, while his father, Derek, also played for the club during 1983 and 1990.

Speaking on the Rangers Review show, journalist Chris Jack revealed that Rangers are keen to bring him to Ibrox as part of their big rebuild this summer, and says that exploratory talks have already been held over a deal.

“Lewis Ferguson: Rangers held initial talks, opened discussions with Bologna a few weeks ago,” he said.

“But just an exploration, just to see where everyone stood. They are aware of the financials of that deal, what it’s going to cost for a transfer fee, and what it would cost in terms of wages.”

Ferguson Would Be Huge Statement Signing

Rangers know that the last two campaigns have simply not been good enough, and fans have been demanding major changes now for a while.

McInnes’ arrival has signalled their intent, and they have been active early in the window too as a result. But the potential arrival of Ferguson would not only be the cherry on top of the cake, but it would also be the foundation of a potentially title-winning team.

At 26 he is entering the absolute peak of his powers, and as someone with such a strong connection to the club, he will immediately understand the pressures and demands that come with it. It’s the perfect deal to start a new era at Ibrox, and Rangers should be doing all they can to ensure they can get it over the line.