Iran's Mohammad Mohebi has been accused of making a 'gun celebration' gesture after scoring in his team's 2026 World Cup draw against New Zealand. The 27-year-old midfielder netted in the 64th minute to level the score, but his subsequent celebration has sparked widespread criticism on social media.
Controversial Gesture
Mohebi's celebration involved placing two fingers toward his arm, then extending two fingers on his right hand and waving them in the air. Many fans interpreted this as a provocative gun gesture, leading to accusations of insensitivity given Iran's contentious participation in the tournament hosted by the United States.
The incident has generated significant outrage online, with numerous claims that the action was deliberately provocative. FIFA has been contacted for comment regarding the matter, but no official response has been provided yet.
Political Undertones
This controversy follows another political gesture by Iran's Ramin Rezaeian, who scored the team's first equalizer. Rezaeian covered his face with his shirt while sprinting toward fans, a move he later admitted was political. However, he declined to elaborate, stating, "It's something political (his goal celebration). I don't want to talk about that. We are here to answer football questions. If there is a problem between us (the Iranian people), it is between us."
Fan Protests and Flags
The Iranian squad faced further tension before the match when their national anthem was jeered by some fans. Additionally, supporters displayed pre-revolutionary Shir o Khorshid flags, defying the current regime. These flags, which are prohibited by FIFA, were seen being confiscated during the game.
Many of these fans are believed to be part of the Iranian diaspora community in Los Angeles, which hosts the largest concentration of Iranians outside Iran. Estimates of the Iranian-heritage population in the area range from 200,000 to 700,000, largely due to the diaspora following the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
The flag ban by FIFA was enforced during the match, with footage showing one being seized. The ongoing political tensions surrounding Iran's participation in the World Cup continue to draw attention both on and off the field.
