Iranian Player’s Goal Celebration Sparks Fury at World Cup Match

Mohammad Mohebbi triggered controversy during Iran’s 2-2 draw with New Zealand in Iran’s opening match of the 2026 World Cup in the United States. After scoring Iran’s second equalizer overnight between Monday and Tuesday, he celebrated in Inglewood by mimicking a gunshot toward the crowd.

Some fans in the stadium were holding opposition flags, and much of the Iranian crowd was reportedly made up of regime opponents living in the United States. The gesture quickly drew anger online, where users said he was sending a threatening message to spectators and to Iranian emigrants in the stands.

Social media reactions were especially harsh. One post said Mohebbi was “the favorite player of the Iranian regime,” while another argued, “This is not a celebration, it is a threat. He sent a threatening message to the crowd.” Others wrote, “Iran is trying to instill fear. FIFA must intervene,” and claimed he should not be allowed to play again. One commenter also alleged that his father works for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and that he aimed the gesture at supporters waving the “Lion and Sun” flag, identified as an Iranian opposition symbol.

Mohebbi had not responded to the criticism at the time of publication. The article also noted that, unlike in previous World Cup matches when Iranian players remained silent during the anthem, this time the team sang it, apparently as a show of support for the regime. Iran will next face Belgium and Egypt, and will try to win enough points to reach the knockout stage. The report also said that if Iran and the United States both finish second in their groups, they would meet in the round of 32.