Iran's Mohebi says goal celebration was fan thanks

Iranian midfielder Mohammad Mohebi has clarified that a controversial goal celebration during his team’s World Cup opener was intended only as a gesture of thanks to fans, after the action was widely interpreted as mimicking a gun. The incident occurred on Monday, June 15, 2026, during Iran’s 2-2 draw with New Zealand at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, a match played against a backdrop of heightened geopolitical tensions.

Mohebi scored Iran’s 64th-minute equalizer, heading home to secure a point for his team in their Group G opener. His subsequent celebration, in which he placed two fingers against his arm before extending them and waving his hand through the air, drew immediate scrutiny and backlash on social media, with many observers describing it as a gun gesture. In post-match comments, the 27-year-old player insisted the action was spontaneous and devoid of political meaning.

"I wanted to say thank you to all Iranians who live in Los Angeles, they make a great atmosphere," Mohebi said. "The celebration came to mind, and I do this gestures for all of the fans, just a celebration, you know."

The match itself was marked by several politically charged moments. Before kickoff,...