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International Business Times UK
International Business Times UK
Audrey Liza M. Nolasco

World Cup Erupts as Iran Star Accused of 'Gun Gesture' Celebration

Mohammad Mohebi World Cup Iran Fifa Football New Zealand
Iran midfielder Mohammad Mohebi came under fire after a controversial World Cup goal celebration against New Zealand sparked accusations of a politically charged 'gun gesture'. (Credit: The Sporting Tribune YOUTUBE SCREENSHOT)

Iran midfielder Mohammad Mohebi has found himself at the center of one of the 2026 FIFA World Cup's first major controversies after a goal celebration against New Zealand sparked accusations of a politically charged 'gun gesture'.

The Mohammad Mohebi goal celebration controversy erupted moments after the 27-year-old scored in the 64th minute of Iran's 2-2 draw with New Zealand. But it was what happened after the goal, not the goal itself, that quickly became the talking point.

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