World Cup 2026 LIVE: Iran striker sparks outrage with ‘gun’ celebration in New Zealand clash – UK Times

The Iranian national anthem was booed by some spectators inside the SoFI Stadium in Los Angeles on Monday evening as Iran began their World Cup campaign against New Zealand in Group G.

The match took place hours after President Donald Trump announced a preliminary US-Iran peace deal had been signed to end America’s’ war with Iran.

Iran drew their World Cup opener with New Zealand but emphatically won the support of the Iranian community inside SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, having overcome unprecedented obstacles just to play at these finals.

The Asian team hit back twice through Ramin Rezaeian and Mohammad Mohebbi to force a 2-2 draw, with Eli Just grabbing a brace for the All Whites.

A World Cup had never kicked off with a host at war with a participant before. Iran have faced the threat of being unable to take their place at the tournament ever since the United States and Israel launched a bombing campaign back in February, been forced to change training venue from the US to Mexico to combat visa issues, and still had 11 non-playing officials blocked from entering the States for the team’s matches.

‘Lion and Sun’ flags – the emblem of Iran before the 1979 Islamic revolution – were in evidence within the stadium despite Fifa’s efforts to ban them and there was definitely booing of the anthem before the game from Los Angeles’ Iranian diaspora in attendance.

Overwhelmingly though, the fans had decided the team were not the regime, and roared them on from the outset.

Iran’s Mohammad Mohebbi has sparked outrage across social media after and apparent ‘gun’ celebration during last night’s 2-2 draw with New Zealand.

Many social media users spotted the nature of his celebration after pulling Iran level against the All Whites in Los Angeles but Mohebbi has defended his actions as “just a celebration”.

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

Good morning and welcome to The Independent’s continued live coverage of the 2026 World Cup.

Iran got their campaign underway in controversial circumstances last night, while England are preparing for tomorrow’s opener against Croatia and Donald Trump is in the news again.

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