Iran left a 74-word handwritten note following their 0-0 draw with Belgium at the 2026 World Cup on Sunday evening, placing it in the dressing room before being forced to swiftly leave Los Angeles. Team Melli have faced a difficult summer both on and off the pitch.

Geopolitical tensions back home have followed them to the tournament, creating a challenging backdrop to their campaign in North America. A heavy-handed new rule introduced by Donald Trump meant that, while Iran were ultimately permitted to compete in the showpiece event after initial uncertainty, they have been required to leave the United States immediately after each match and return to their training base in Mexico.

The restrictions have undoubtedly made Amir Ghalenoei’s side one of the most fatigued teams at the tournament, both physically and mentally. Yet they have still managed to remain unbeaten. A 2-2 draw with New Zealand in their opening match means they still have everything to play for heading into their final Group G fixture against Egypt.

Iran’s 74-word Message to Los Angeles After World Cup Meeting

Daniel Cole via Reuters

Despite having their national anthem booed and their head coach feeling shunned by rival teams, Iran have continued to show resilience throughout the tournament – and, in their latest gesture, plenty of class as well. As per The Sun, the Persians decided to leave a note thanking Los Angeles for hosting them twice at the SoFi stadium.

The heartfelt message read: “From the ancient Persia of thousands of years ago to the civilised Iran of today. The spirit of Iran remains alive and steadfast.

Meanwhile, the ‘168’ written on the note refers to the 168 people who were killed at the girls’ elementary school in South Iran on February 28. An airstrike was directed at Shajareh Tayyebeh Elementary School, according to the Associated Press, and the vast majority of fatalities from the strike were children.

The February strike reportedly had the highest reported civilian death toll since the war began, and has since been criticised by the United Nations and human rights organisations.

The Middle Eastern nation’s ability to rise above the noise surrounding them and embrace their trip to a country that continues to carry out attacks against them thousands of miles away is a remarkable display of resilience. It is also a reminder of how proud they are of who they are, where they come from, and what they represent in the face of adversity.

Iran’s Chances of Making World Cup Round of 32

Daniel Cole via Reuters

Following Iran’s second game, Ghalenoei was able to speak positively about his side and hope for a historic campaign. He was delighted by his side’s display against underperforming dark horses Belgium. He said: “We came into the World Cup under the worst possible conditions.

It’s possible Iran could play the USA in the Round of 32 should they both finish second in their respective groups. However, with Mauricio Pochettino’s side winning their first two matches, they would need to lose by five goals in their final game against Turkey for that to happen.

Wyndham Clark claimed top spot in the US Open on Sunday, displaying tremendous resilience throughout the tournament to take home the grand prize at Shinnecock Hills.

The final round brought some drama, as Clarke’s six-stroke advantage started to fall in the early stages of the final round. Despite this, he was able to hold off Sam Burns for long enough to seal his second US Open win, after his success at the Los Angeles County Club in 2023.

US Open 2026 Summary

Bill Streicher via Imagn Images

Clark led the tournament from start to finish, becoming only the ninth player in US Open history to win the event after going wire-to-wire and leading the whole time.

He entered the final stages with a six-shot lead over nearest contender, Sam Burns, but that quickly shrank to just a single stroke after a resurgence from Burns in a final-round 67. He secured the title, however, with a tap-in par on the 18th hole, placing him just one shot above Burns.

Not only did Clark have to contend with the sublime final round played by Burns, but hostile crowds became a factor throughout the final day.

The grandstands and galleries revelled in every mistake he made and made their displeasure known when he escaped trouble, and reserved their loudest support for world No.1 Scottie Scheffler. Spectators went as far as being kicked out of the event for abusive comments made towards the two-time US Open winner.

By the end, Clark claimed the trophy, and, while sat alongside the silverware, claimed ‘they definitely didn’t want me to win’ and that it is ‘pretty rare’ to be booed in a major tournament or have the crowd ‘cheer for bad shots.’

US Open Prize Money and Earnings

Clark will be pleased that he pushed through the comeback of his competitors and crowd hostility alike, as it was announced that the tournament purse was set at $22.5 million, which matches that of The Masters, which itself had increased since last year.

Clark will receive a giant figure of $4.5 million as a result of his narrow victory, although he will only take home around half of that figure. Still not bad though.

There was still a lot to share, and second-placed Sam Burns was consolled with $2.5 million, and third-place Tom Kim claimed $1.5 million for his efforts over the weekend.

Amazingly, anyone who finished T39th or better, which is around 2/3 of the field, will walk away with a six-figure payout, and the minimum payout is in excess of $42,000 if you made the cut.

In a nice touch by the USGA, in an effort to help out with the costs for this special weekend, anyone who qualified for the 156-man tournament will receive an unofficial prize of $10,000!

The sport of golf is constantly producing exciting new talents determined to leave their mark on the game and join the ranks of its most celebrated figures.

As the sport’s popularity continues to rise across the globe, aspiring players often look to the achievements of golf’s greatest stars for inspiration. Their iconic victories, remarkable consistency, and unforgettable moments have helped shape the game into what it is today.

From the pioneers who helped elevate golf during the 1950s and 1960s to the modern superstars dominating today’s tours, more than 11,000 Ranker users have voted on who deserves a place among the greatest golfers ever to play the sport.

10

Byron Nelson

Majors: 5

Affectionately dubbed ‘Lord Byron’ by adoring fans, Nelson dominated golf in the late 1930s and ’40s. With an incredible run of 11 consecutive PGA Tour victories in 1945 (a record which still stands today), Nelson achieved two PGA Championships, having also won The Masters twice and a US Open.

While he certainly had a lasting impact during his playing days, he also served as a mentor to many top golfers, including Tom Watson, after retiring in 1946. His legacy in the game still holds strong, with the annual Byron Nelson Championship honouring his lasting impact on the sport.

9

Walter Hagen

Majors: 11

As one of the earliest superstars of the golfing world, Walter Hagen paved the way in the ’20s. Having won the first of his 11 Majors at the US Open in 1914, fans were drawn to Hagen’s stylish clothing and extravagant lifestyle. But it wasn’t just his showmanship which secured his place on this list.

With four Opens and five PGA Championships, the American was instrumental in growing the sport and increasing the prize money offered at tournaments.

8

Tom Watson

Majors: 8

In an era featuring the likes of Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player, Tom Watson’s eight Major victories may prove more impressive than others. Under the stewardship of Byron Nelson, Watson was the joint-second-most successful player at The Open, having won it five times.

While his prime may have been in the ’70s and ’80s, Watson aged like a fine wine, having led for the majority of the 2009 edition of The Open Championship, at the age of 59, only to lose in a four-hole playoff on the final day.

Throughout his career, he also wrote multiple books, influencing swathes of young golfers.

7

Bobby Jones

Majors: 7

A true trailblazer of the sport, Bobby Jones is the most successful amateur golfer of all time. He is the only player to have completed the pre-Masters Grand Slam, and did so in 1930, winning the US Open, British Open, US Amateur, and British Amateur in the space of a year.

While he was one of the most well-known athletes at the time, his biggest impact on the world of golf was in 1932, when he co-founded the prestigious Augusta National Golf Club, and helped set up the iconic Masters.

6

Gary Player

Majors: 9

With his 1965 victory at the US Open, the South African became the youngest person to achieve a modern, career Grand Slam at the time, highlighting his natural golfing ability. With three wins apiece at both The Masters and The Open, alongside two PGA Championships, Player quickly asserted himself at the top of the golfing world.

In a sport which was dominated by Americans, Gary Player was the first international to win at Augusta, and helped grow the game outside of the States.

5

Sam Snead

Majors: 7

With 82 PGA Tour victories under his belt, the only person to compete with Sam Snead’s record is the legendary Tiger Woods, who sits level. With three wins at both The Masters and PGA Championship, and the 1946 Open Championship, Snead came ever-so close to adding his name to the list of Grand Slam winners, having come second at the US Open four times.

However, what may be even more impressive, is when he shot an eight-over par on the Old White course at The Greenbrier, at the age of 85, a feat many golfers could only dream of replicating in their prime.

4

Arnold Palmer

Majors: 7

Very few have been successful around Augusta National, but nobody mastered The Masters like Arnold Palmer did. Between 1958 and 1964, Palmer became the first person to win four Masters. His wins at Augusta, paired with his two British Opens and the US Open, gained him widespread attention.

One third of golf’s ‘Big Three’, alongside Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player, Arnold Palmer has been held in high esteem by many for the work he did to progress the game, popularising the sport and making it more accessible for those from all backgrounds.

3

Ben Hogan

Majors: 9

As one of only six players to have won all four Majors, Hogan’s achievements in golf are highlighted by the exceptional circumstances in which he did so.

Having won two PGA Championships and a US Open, Hogan sustained a near-fatal car accident, after which, doctors told him he may never be able to walk again. But with sheer determination and rigorous training, Hogan bounced back, adding another three US Opens, two Masters, and a British Open to his array of achievements.

His impeccable ball-striking ability was revolutionary in the world of golf, and his book on golf swings provided insights for millions of golfers the world over.

2

Tiger Woods

Majors: 15

As the most recognisable face of modern golf, Tiger Woods is a household name. An inspiration to young golfers all over the world, his list of accolades and records set him apart from any other golfer of the modern era.

A record-equalling 82 PGA Tour wins, an astounding 15 Majors, with five Masters, four PGA Championships, three US Opens, and three Open Championships, Tiger has set the bar for those who want to become the most elite of golfers.

His record winning margin of 12-strokes in the 1997 Masters still holds today and his chip on the 16th hole on the final day of the 2005 Masters will forever be seen as one of the greatest moments in golfing history.

1

Jack Nicklaus

Majors: 18

Jack Nicklaus, ‘The Golden Bear’. Widely regarded as the best golfer of all time, only challenged by Tiger Woods. With 18, he holds the record for the most Majors won, with six coming at Augusta, five PGA Championships, four US Opens, and three British Opens.

The most decorated golfer to have graced the sport, Nicklaus’ consistency over his two-decade-long career created a lasting legacy which encourages budding golfers, even today. And while his golfing achievements may never be replicated, his non-playing influence has been just as significant, having helped design some of the greatest courses on every corner of the globe, and setting up the largest course design company in the world, Nicklaus Design.

A true great of the game, Jack Nicklaus will forever be hailed by many as the greatest golfer of all time.