Iran midfielder Mohammad Mohebi faces backlash over “gun” hand gesture celebration at World Cup

Controversy stirred at the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Monday with one player’s questionable celebration.

Iranian soccer star Mohammad Mohebi fired the finger gun shot heard around the world on Monday, following his goal against New Zealand. The post WATCH: Iranian Player’s Finger Gun Celebration Sparks Controversy appeared first on Breitbart.

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

Iran's Mohammad Mohebi sparked online debate after scoring a crucial equalizer against New Zealand in their World Cup qualifier. His goal celebration, a hand gesture resembling a gun, drew mixed reactions amid pre-match political protests. While some deemed it inappropriate, others defended it as an emotional, sporting reaction.

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

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. DISGUSTING.Mohammad Mohebi scores and immediately does the finger-gun shooting gesture straight at Iranians waving the Lion & Sun flag in the stands.Not a celebration. A direct threat.The Islamic Republic’s puppet on the pitch just showed exactly who he serves and it’s not… pic.twitter.com/8lIXJJcvcy— AlexanderSobhani (@xandersobhani) June 16, 2026 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.