Iranian player Mohammad Mohebi came under heavy criticism after appearing to make a “gun shooting” gesture during his goal celebration in the 2-2 draw against New Zealand in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Group G match at the Los Angeles Stadium.
Mohebi, who scored a crucial equaliser in the second half, briefly mimicked firing a gun with his hands while celebrating with teammates. The gesture quickly went viral on social media, sparking widespread backlash from fans who called it inappropriate given the global audience and the politically sensitive atmosphere surrounding Iran’s participation in the tournament.
The match itself was already under intense scrutiny due to off-field tensions, protests, and heightened security in Los Angeles. While Iran twice came from behind to secure a point, attention soon shifted to Mohebi’s celebration, which many viewed as inflammatory.
Critics argued that such gestures have no place in football, especially on a stage like the World Cup, where players are expected to maintain discipline and avoid actions that could be interpreted as promoting violence. On the other hand, some supporters defended Mohebi, suggesting the gesture was spontaneous emotion rather than a deliberate political or violent statement, pointing to similar celebratory expressions seen in global football.
As of now, there has been no official comment from FIFA or the Iranian team regarding the incident, but the controversy has added another layer of tension to Iran’s already politically charged World Cup campaign.
