Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleIran's Mohammad Mohebbi does a controversial 'gun' celebration (Reuters)Iran began their World Cup 2026 campaign with a 2-2 draw against New Zealand in a politically charged match. The game was marred by controversy, including anti-regime protests before kick-off and the booing of the national anthem. Mohammad Mohebbi scored an equaliser for Iran in the 64th minute. Mohebbi's goal celebration, which appeared to be a 'finger gun' gesture, sparked outrage among some on social media. The player later defended his actions, stating it was merely a celebration for the fans. He said: “The celebration came to mind, and I do this [gestures] for all of the fans, just a celebration, you know.”In fullWorld Cup 2026 LIVE: Iran striker sparks outrage with ‘gun’ celebration in New Zealand clashThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in

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Iran kicked off its World Cup against New Zealand on Monday night.

Iran's players reacted as their country's national anthem was played ahead of their match against New Zealand

El jugador anotó el 2-2 final e hizo una celebración que despertó críticas; el episodio se dio en el marco de tratativas finales para ponerle fin a la guerra con Estados Unidos

Iran recorded a 2-2 draw with New Zealand as they arrived at the World Cup in controversial circumstances, and more drama is set to unfold following the match

L'esultanza ha generato polemiche per l'interpretazione data a quel comportamento: c'è chi sostiene ce l'avesse con la diaspora iraniana in America che

A goal was celebrated by some fans critical of the Iranian government, many of whom carried Iran's pre-revolutionary Lion and Sun flag. Some also booed Iran's national anthem…

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The 27-year-old has responded after allegedly imitating shooting a gun with his hands after scoring in the draw with New Zealand

Iran midfielder Mohammad Mohebi found himself at the centre of online debate following his celebration during Iran's 2-2 draw against New Zealand in their FIFA World Cup 2026…

Mohammad Mohebbi has defended his apparent ‘gun’ celebration after netting Iran’s equaliser in the 2-2 draw with New Zealand

Iran equalized twice to draw 2-2 with New Zealand at the 2026 FIFA World Cup as 70,108 fans watched a politically charged match at SoFi Stadium.

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L'attaccante festeggia il gol del pareggio contro la Nuova Zelanda con un'esultanza a sfondo politico: ecco cos'è successo

L'attaccante festeggia il gol del pareggio contro la Nuova Zelanda con un'esultanza a sfondo politico

2 minuti per la lettura (Adnkronos) – Polemiche ai Mondiali 2026. L’Iran pareggia 2-2 contro la Nuova Zelanda nella notte e a far discutere è l’esultanza scelta dall’attaccante…